For 10 years, we taught people how to use Picasa for managing photos on their computers. We loved that program! But Google retired it nearly 3 years ago. We still use it for some things we do with photos on our computers - but everything is moving to the cloud - and Google Photos is the way to go now. This episode explains what you need to do.
Geeks on Tour members: get your class notes here. You might want to print them out and then join with some friends to take the class. Just play the video parts of interest to you by using the timeline links in the class notes, pause the video and experiment on your own device. Then take the review questions at the end and see how you did.
Facebook Live event to field Q&As about this episode.We will be live on Thursday, 12/21 at 5pm Eastern. Just go to our Facebook Page at the appointed time and you'll see us! Like the page in order to be notified. Click here to add this item to your Google Calendar
There's a big difference between wanting Internet access and needing Internet access. If you work while you're traveling and you need Internet access, there is a lot to know. Our guests, Chris Dunphy and Cherie VeArd, of MobileInternetInfo.com are fulltime nomads who work while traveling. They make it their full time business to know it all so they can help the rest of us.
Tip of the Day: controlling your Facebook Home feed
Photo Edit: brighten a photo with one click
Beginner’s Lesson: Chris and Cherie talk about unlimited data plans, then give us a guided tour of the MobileInternetInfo website.
Geeks on Tour members: get your class notes here. You might want to print them out and then join with some friends to take the class. Just play the video parts of interest to you by using the timeline links in the class notes, pause the video and experiment on your own device. Then take the review questions at the end and see how you did.
Facebook Live event to field Q&As about this episode.We will be live on Thursday, 12/14 at 5pm Eastern. Just go to our Facebook Page at the appointed time and you'll see us! Like the page in order to be notified. Click here to add this item to your Google Calendar
You can send a simple text message, or you can have a smart conversation. Google hopes you agree that the addition of the Assistant inside of the Allo messaging app sets it apart from other messaging options. It's useful, it's fun, it's Google. Joining us for this episode is Michael Daniels. He is a Google Top Contributor for the Allo app as well as the Hangouts app. He will be presenting the beginner's lesson today.
Tip of the Day: magnifying the screen iPhone and Android accessibility
Beginner’s Lesson: Learning about the Allo App
Geeks on Tour members: get your class notes here. You might want to print them out and then join with some friends to take the class. Just play the parts of interest to you by using the timeline links in the class notes, pause the video and experiment on your own device. Then take the review questions at the end and see how you did.
Facebook Live event to field Q&As about this episode.We will be live on Thursday, 12/7 at 5pm Eastern. Just go to our Facebook Page at the appointed time and you'll see us! Like the page in order to be notified. Click here to add this item to your Google Calendar
Did you know there is one feature - 2-step verification - that is the singlemost important thing you can do to protect your Google account from hackers. It's easy, we'll show you how in this episode. We'll also demonstrate how it works and show you how to change your password as well.
Episode 128 was recorded live on Sunday, Nov 12, 2017. In this episode you will learn:
Tip of the Day: one-finger keyboard typing
Photo Edit: Auto correct for white balance
Beginner’s Lesson: How to keep your Google Account Safe
App of the day: FMCA hotspot plan for Verizon
Geeks on Tour members: get your class notes here. You might want to print them out and then join with some friends to take the class. Just play the parts of interest to you by using the timeline links in the class notes, pause the video and experiment on your own device. Then take the review questions at the end and see how you did.
Facebook Live event to field Q&As about this episode.We will be live on Thursday, 11/16 at 5pm Eastern. Just go to our Facebook Page at the appointed time and you'll see us! Like the page in order to be notified. Click here to add this item to your Google Calendar
Chris is at Google HQ in California this week, leaving Jim to party with Roadtrekers in Florida. She is attending the Google Top Contributor's Summit and learning LOTS. What better encore episode to show than #95 which was recorded after last year's Google event?!
You probably use several Google Apps on your Android phone, and even on your iPhone or iPad. What do you do when you have a question? We'll show you the different ways you can find answers, starting right from the App. We'll also take you behind the scenes at Google's Top Contributor program. These are the people who answer your questions! Who knows, you could even become a Google Top Contributor if you have desire to become a product expert - we'll show you how.
We'll also have a tip about #hashtags, and an app of the week: Google Voice.
Geeks on Tour Members, here are your class notes for Episode 95.
What IS the cloud? And, which cloud services should you use. Of the many options, Onedrive from Microsoft is one that should be in your toolbox. Did you know you can make an Excel spreadsheet without owning the Excel software? You don't even need a computer! And, Onedrive can provide that all important backup for all the photos you take with your phone. Chris explains how she uses it in addition to Google Photos.
This encore episode, #100 was recorded live on Sunday, Nov 13, 2016. In this episode you will learn:
How to Force Quit an App
What is OneDrive and how does it work on an iPhone or Android device?
What is Wink Home Automation
Geeks on Tour members: get your class notes here. You might want to print them out and then join with some friends to take the class. Just play the parts of interest to you by using the timeline links in the class notes, pause the video and experiment on your own device. Then take the review questions at the end and see how you did.
Facebook Live event to field Q&As about this episode.We will be live on Thursday, 11/2 at 5pm Eastern. Just go to our Facebook Page at the appointed time and you'll see us! Like the page in order to be notified.
Review Questions;
How much free storage do you get with OneDrive?
What account do you need to work with OneDrive?
What App do you need in order to edit a spreadsheet on your phone?
If you create a document on your computer, how do you see it on your iPhone?
What setting will upload your phone’s photos to OneDrive?
If you want a smartphone but don't feel the need for the top-of-the-line expensive phone, how about a $59 smartphone? What's the catch? What's wrong with it? If it really does work OK, can it be your main phone? How about a hotspot? Or a phone for the grandkids to use when they visit? Chris explains how she bought a $59 phone from Walmart with service on the Verizon network and how she likes it.
This episode was recorded live on Sunday, October 22, 2017. To be notified of live shows, subscribe to our YouTube channel and be sure to click the bell for notifications.
Opening Tip: Google Photos, how to know when Backup is Complete
Beginner’s Lesson: A $59 smartphone
Closing Tip: Allstays Camp & RV, gone from Google Play Store
Geeks on Tour members: get your class notes here.You might want to print them out and then join with some friends to take the class. Just play the parts of interest to you by using the timeline links in the class notes, pause the video and experiment on your own device. Then take the review questions at the end and see how you did.
NEW!! Facebook Live event to field Q&As about this episode.We will be live on Thursday, 10/26 at 5pm Central. RSVP here.
If you have a smartphone but haven't explored the camera options, this episode is for you. Maybe you think that a smartphone can't take good pictures? We took all the pictures from our Europe vacation with either an iPhone or an Android. Take a look and see what you think. In this encore episode we start with how to take a photo, take a selfie, take a video, then we show how to set focus and exposure, turn the flash on/off, take a panorama and more. This episode was recorded live on Sunday, February 12, 2017. To be notified of live shows, subscribe to our YouTube channel and be sure to click the bell for notifications.
Opening Tip: Finding Apps on your Phone.
Beginner’s Lesson: Photography Essentials.
Closing Tip: Valentines Day Photo Frames
Geeks on Tour members: get your class notes here. You might want to print them out and then join with some friends to take the class. Just play the parts of interest to you by using the timeline links in the class notes, pause the video and experiment on your own device. Then take the review questions at the end and see how you did.
NEW!! Facebook Live event to field Q&As about this episode.We will be live on Thursday, 10/19 at 5pm Central. RSVP here.
Google Maps, right out of the gate, is one of the most useful programs ever developed. Add your personal information about places that are important to you, and it is now invaluable. You can add places you want to go. You can add places you need to navigate to. You can record all your travels. You can share your places with others - like the tow truck who needs to find you! This episode will show you how.
This episode was streamed live on 10/8/17 from our home studio. Geeks on Tour members can view the show notes here.
NEW!! Facebook Live event to field Q&As about this episode.We will be live on Thursday, 10/12 at 5pm eastern. RSVP here.
Have you ever been visiting friends and they showed you their vacation pictures on their big TV screen? How did they do that? Or, do you watch movies on your phone and wished you could be watching it on your TV instead? With a $35 device, and a little know-how, you can do it too ... this encore episode will show you how! Quick Tip: Find a lost phone, App: Google Trusted Contacts.This episode of What Does This Button Do was streamed live on Jan 29, 2017.
Geeks on Tour members: get your class notes here. You might want to print them out and then join with some friends to take the class. Just play the parts of interest to you by using the timeline links in the class notes, pause the video and experiment on your own device. Then take the review questions at the end and see how you did.
This episode was streamed live on Sep 23, 2017. We webcast from our Roadtrek camper van parked in a State Park by New Orleans, LA. Geeks on Tour members can view the Show Notes here. This is a live / taped show and we had a little bandwidth trouble with the sound, be prepared for a few skipped words here and there. The show notes will help fill in the blanks. Because of this, we are making the Show Notes available to all.
Since Google Photos is a cloud-based product it can change with no notice ... and it does .... often! In this episode we try to summarize the important changes you should know about that have happened in the last 6 months.
Tip of the Week: Scanning documents with the Drive widget
App of the week: Facebook Messenger for sending money
This episode of What Does This Button Do was streamed live on Apr 3, 2016.
Have you ever had something on your smartphone's screen that you need to print? What do you do? We use services like Office Depot for documents and Walgreens, Snapfish, or Shutterfly for photos. You can also print directly from your phone to your own printer ... this encore episode will show you how! Quick Tip: Facebook reactions, App: Snapfish Geeks on Tour members: get your class notes here. You might want to print them out and then join with some friends to take the class. Just play the parts of interest to you by using the timeline links in the class notes, pause the video and experiment on your own device. Then take the review questions at the end and see how you did.
But, I still wanted to post something about how we used our phones this week. First of all, of course, was the hurricane tracker. We used Max Tracker and waited on pins and needles for every new update. The "forecast cone" is what we relied on when deciding where to run. We also checked the radar using The Weather Channel. If you don't know how to take screenshots from your phone, like mine below, here's the Quick Tip on Taking Screenshots
Notice how the entire state of Florida seems to have disappeared in the image above on the right? Here's the best explanation I've seen. It moved north!
Charging your Phone
Your phone won't do you any good if it's dead! Make sure you have a good battery/travel charger. We really like the HooToo because it does so much more than just charge, see How to use a USB drive with a smartphone or tablet. The HooToo is a 10,400mAh (mili-Amp-Hours) battery. That will fully charge your phone roughly 3 times. If all you want is a battery, then we recommend the Anker 20,000 mAh. These are both about $40 - just search Amazon or your favorite tech store for HooToo or Anker. As a bonus, these could also power something like a USB Fan!
Gas Buddy New Feature
Another app we used a lot was Gas Buddy. As gas stations started running out of fuel supplies, the Gas Buddy app added a feature to indicate whether a station had gas or not. Below are short, 2 minute videos.
Google Maps
And then there's Google Maps! We used two special features of Maps a lot this week:
Facebook
The app that I found invaluable for staying in touch with friends and family, letting them know how we were, and finding out how they were - is Facebook. With just one post on Facebook, we can let everyone know where we are and how we're doing. Since most of our real friends are on Facebook as well, we know the same about them. During natural disasters, Facebook turns on a feature called SafetyCheck which gives us all a place to check in and report our status. But more than that, I relied on Facebook for eye-witness reports. Information from Apps is great, but it's information like this from people we know that really tells us what's going on:
Zello
You may have heard a lot about this Walkie-Talkie app called Zello. It was instrumental in Houston for finding people who needed rescuing. We did not use it, but I downloaded it just to see how it worked. It's a free app. It uses your microphone for you to talk and people who are monitoring that channel will hear you. It's like a CB radio, or a marine radio, in that you set yourself up with a name like a CB Handle, and then you choose a channel listen to and talk on. You can see a long list of channels to choose from and you can search for "Hurricane Irma"
I can see where this could be a lifesaver in emergency situations, but don't believe it when you hear that it works without an Internet connection - it does not. It needs either cellular data or a working Wi-Fi hotspot to connect to.
If you were affected by either of the recent hurricanes, first of all, we hope you fared well - then, we'd love to hear about any ways that your smartphone helped you. Leave a comment below. Continue your Education with Geeks on Tour by subscribing to our Newsletters!
This episode was streamed live on Sep 3, 2017. We webcast from our home studio in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Geeks on Tour members can view the Show Notes here.
Are you just starting to use a smartphone? Or have you had one for a while, but still don't understand much about it. There is so much to learn, it can be overwhelming. That's why we made this episode to give you a place to start. The first four buttons all have very basic and necessary uses for your phone, but they also have some functions that even advanced users may not know. After watching this episode, you can impress your friends with some new tips!
Tip of the Day: Downloading pictures from Google Photos online to your device
Beginner’s Lesson: The first four buttons you need to learn
If you've ever thought you'd like a website, or a blog, but you didn't think you had the know-how or the money to make it happen, this episode is for you. Using the Free Google services at Blogger.com you can have your own blog to tell your stories. It's as easy as filling out a 3-question form. Then start Blogging! This website right here: TheButtonShow.com is built using Blogger.
Tip of the Week: How to find your Operating System Version #
Beginner's Lesson: How to make a blog
Geeks on Tour Members - Get your show notes here. Then, we encourage you to print them and gather friends to watch together. Make it fun! Like a Book club. Learn more together.
This episode of What Does This Button Do was streamed live on Sep 20, 2015.
Are the icons on your homescreens scattered all over the place? Would you like them to be organized according to how you use them? Or would you like them to be simply alphabetical. Whatever you like, your screens are completely customizeable, this encore episode will show you how. Quick Tip: Google Photos Auto Edit, App: Roadtrippers Geeks on Tour members: get your class notes here. You might want to print them out and then join with some friends to take the class. Just play the parts of interest to you by using the timeline links in the class notes, pause the video and experiment on your own device. Then take the review questions at the end and see how you did.
"I know there's a Fitness app on my phone somewhere but I can't find it!" or "Where is my Settings app?" If those statements sound familiar, this episode is for you. Learn to use the Google Search tool on Android phones and the Spotlight Search feature of iOS devices.
Tip of the Day: Learn Google Photos – Editing
Beginner’s Lesson: How to find stuff on your phone
This episode of What Does This Button Do was streamed live on March 27, 2016.
LongPress on a touch screen is like a Right-Click. LongPress means the same thing as Touch and Hold. It’s not pushing on the screen, just touch the screen then leave your finger touching the screen and see if something happens. In this encore episode, you will learn a lot of tricks on both Android and iOS devices using LongPress. From getting special characters on your keyboard, to copy/paste, to saving places on a map and more. Geeks on Tour members: get your class notes here.
Tip o Week: Airplane Mode to Test whether an App uses Data
Beginner’s Lesson: How to “Right-Click” on your Smartphone
App o week: Drippler
When you touch the screen and hold your finger there, we call that a ______________.
To get the emoji keyboard, do what?
T/F: Everything you can do on a computer with Right-Click can be done on a phone.
To copy text, you must select it first, you do this by _____________________.
Long pressing on a Map will do what? _________________________
Long pressing on an iPhone’s home button will do what? _______________________
This episode was streamed live on July 30, 2017. We webcast from our camper van in Syracuse, NY.Geeks on Tour members can view the Show Notes here.
We are teaching this topic because someone entered Gmail into the suggestion box (see link at right.) They probably wanted a whole class on how to use Gmail :-) We don’t have time to do that here, but we do think everyone should understand these 2 important concepts: Universal Inbox, and Device Independence. If your current system does both of these things then you’re golden! If not, we recommend using Gmail. If you do want to learn all about using Gmail, we recommend theGmail Help Center, andSteve Dotto’s Youtube videos on Gmail.
This episode was streamed live on December 4, 2016.
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You see these funny looking square codes everywhere. If you learn how to scan them with your smartphone (Android or iPhone) you can see what's behind the codes here.
This encore episode will teach you how to do it!
Geeks on Tour members: get your class notes here. Note: due to a current glitch after adding security to the site, you will need to be logged in first, then click the link.
This week’s quick tip: using Snapseed to edit out unwanted parts of a photo
This week’s app: RVillage: Connect with other RVers wherever you are.
Our connection for this episode was not the best, it gets a little blurry. Here is a direct link to the short video #453 on QR codes
This episode was streamed live on July 16, 2017. We webcast from our camper van in Indianapolis, Indiana.Geeks on Tour members can view the Show Notes here.
We spoke to a lot of Smartphone beginners this week at the FMCA RV rally. In this episode we cover a grab bag of beginners' questions like, What is the cloud? and How do I see my screen outside in the sunlight?
This episode was streamed live on October August 7, 2016. You have contacts you want available on all your devices. How can you make that happen? This encore episode will help you understand what you need to do. What accounts do you have that store your records in the cloud? How do you transfer from iCloud to Google? How do Contacts, Calendar, and Mail work together? Join the Geeks On Tour as we explore smartphones and tablets in our half hour+ show. We start with some Quick Tips for everyone. This week our beginner's lesson is about syncing your contacts over all your devices
This episode was streamed live on July 2, 2017. We webcast from our home studio in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Geeks on Tour members can view the Show Notes here.
Using our Photo Album from our Europe trip as an example, we go into detail about understanding albums and how to make them using Google Photos. We demonstrate how to make an album, add photos, delete photos, add text blocks and even maps.
This episode was streamed live on 6/25/17. We just returned from a month of wandering in Europe and we couldn't have done it without our smartphones. Where to go? What to do? Where to stay? How to get there? How to speak the language? What to eat? We usually use our Smartphones for Maps, Photos, and Social Networking while traveling in an RV in the US. Smartphones are invaluable when traveling in Europe. We used them for everything from managing currencies, translating languages, traveling by rail, and finding amazing lodging accommodations. You have to be connected. Let us show you how we did it. And ... check out our photo album from traveling in Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, and Berlin. We'll be sharing our photo taking, editing, and organizing secrets in next episode. (spoiler: it's all about Google Photos!)
This episode was streamed live on August 21, 2016. More and more, people are using Facebook their phones and tablets. Some people have never even seen Facebook on a computer, and yet much of the instruction on Facebook is using computers. This episode is about using Facebook. First using an iPad, then using an Android phone, we demonstrate:
How to see a newsfeed with no ads
How to unFOLLOW instead of unFRIEND
Recent posts newsfeed instead of top posts
Control individual items with the "mighty mini" arrow
Save items for later
Stop auto-playing of videos
We also give some tips on security, including how to prevent the bad guys from posing as you and sending friend requests to all your friends. You'll learn all this and more in this encore episode of What Does This Button Do?
This episode was streamed live on February 7, 2016. This month, while we've been visiting beautiful places in Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia - it has been so important to keep our phones charged! We don't want to miss any of those photos! This episode is about understanding what is using your battery and how to keep it going longer. You will learn how to find out what is using your battery and what external batteries we recommend.
It's your choice to use your battery less, or get more batteries! You'll learn both in this encore episode of What Does This Button Do?
Tip of the day: Android Touch Key Lights, iPhone Flashlight
This episode was streamed live on May 15, 2016. It is about the fact that smartphones have GPS capabilities built in. They know where you are. That means they can answer questions like: Where am I? Where is my phone? Where are my friends? Tell my friends where I am! Where was this photo taken? and more.
We think this is a very important feature of smartphones. If you are a traveler especially, understanding your phone's location services is critical.
Learn to use your phone's location capabilities in this encore episode of What Does This Button Do?
This episode was streamed live on November 6, 2016. It is about the very basics of using a smartphone ... how to touch the screen. There's more to it than you might think. There's touch, double-touch, long-touch, one finger, two fingers and more. Every different technique produces a different result. And if you have an iPhone 6+ or higher, there's 3D touch!
This is one of the episodes we recommend for true beginners. See the full list on the menu above for Beginners!. Actually, we think everybody should watch it. Even if you use your phone all the time, you will pick up some tips. Learn your phone's touchscreen essentials in this encore episode of What Does This Button Do?
