msg-surprise.com

Author: [email protected]

  • 6 clever tricks Google users wish they knew sooner

    Google has evolved into much more than a search site. Gmail started out as an invite-only experiment, and has now enrolled over a billion active users. Today, a Google Account will give you unlimited power, storage, and versatility. You can automatically access Drive, Documents, Calendar, YouTube, Google+, and more.

    But that is just scratching the surface. Google has more free features that you’ll love to use. Tap or click here for 20 incredibly useful Google products and services you didn’t know about.

    Still, most Google users are not aware of the full extent of its powers. To fully appreciate the (free) faculties at your fingertips, let’s dive into some of this service’s overlooked capabilities. We’ll be focusing mostly on Google Docs, but we’ll also look at some fun extras from elsewhere in the Googleverse.

    1. Go Beyond Text Documents
    Google Docs is much more than just a word processor; It’s a whole suite of programs that have become more powerful over the years in development.

    The elephant in the room is this: Microsoft Office has long been the standard for a basic desktop workflow. Microsoft Office is not free, and some would argue that it is overpriced. Google Docs has almost all of these essential features—word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software—for free, and you can access your files from almost any computer, from anywhere.

    To be clear: Google Docs doesn’t offer a superior desktop experience to Microsoft Office, but this free virtual program is a fierce competitor. Many users love its simple, malleable interface. Cloud-based programs are what make Chromebooks so practical and affordable. Any place with a WiFi signal can become your office, and you don’t need to save a kilobyte on your laptop’s hard drive.

    There are many practical reasons to get yourself a Chromebook. One is to use a dedicated Chromebook to take care of your finances. This way, hackers do not have access to your online accounts. want to know more? Tap or click here for the best Chromebooks under $200.

    2. Dictate Google Docs

    It may sound dramatic, but it’s true: dictating your computer is one of the most underrated powers of the modern age. Part of the reason is medical; Years of typing can exacerbate arthritis. People with visual impairments or missing limbs have difficulty using keyboards. Voice recognition software has empowered countless people to write their thoughts.

    Meanwhile, some people express themselves best through speaking. Dictation is slow and uncluttered, yet you’ll do a surprisingly well job if you take the time to speak clearly and don’t rush. You can add basic punctuation by saying “period,” “comma,” “exclamation point,” “question mark,” “new line,” or “new paragraph.” If you want to use voice typing a lot, it’s wise to brush up on some of its more advanced capabilities with Google’s voice-command guide.

    Google Docs will take dictation as long as you have a microphone connected to your computer and you are using the Chrome browser. Go to the Tools menu and select “Voice Typing” to get started. Your browser may ask for permission to use your mic.

    3. Collaborate with Others
    Working in Google Docs doesn’t mean you have to fly alone. It offers some powerful collaboration options that let you share documents. Check out the “Share” option and you can either invite people directly or get a shareable link for your document. You can specify whether collaborators can only read, comment on a document, or if they can even edit it.

    To help keep track of changes, you can go to the File menu and select “Version History.” From here, you can choose the name of the version you’re working on or view the history to see who did what and when. Collaboration is great for working teams, but you can also use it in your personal life. You can bring the whole family together to plan a birthday party or work on a holiday dinner menu via Google Docs.

    4. Translate Entire Document

    “Universal translation” has long been the realm of science fiction. Google has shown an intense interest in languages ​​since its inception, and Google Translate is the most powerful mainstream translation technology in use today.

    However, even if you used Google for basic phrases, instantly translating an entire document is a staggering ability. Go to the Tools menu, select “Translate Document” and choose which language you want. Google will create the translation in a separate document. Just keep in mind that machine translation is not perfect and some languages ​​translate more fluently than others.

  • Viral pop-ups, Google smart watch, photo forensics, and more: Tech Q&A

    Every week, I receive tons of questions from my listeners about tech concerns, new products, and all things digital.

    Sometimes picking the most interesting questions to highlight is the best part of my job.

    This week, I received questions about viral pop-ups, Google smartwatches, photo forensics, and more.

    Do you have any question you want to ask me?

    kill robocalls
    Q: I am very impressed by dacoits. Can I do something to stop annoying calls?

    A: I’m just going to say this: Robocalls are an invention of lazy cowards. Lazy, because robocalls are very easy to generate. Coward, because no one can tell the recorded voice.

    It’s hard to believe, but old-fashioned telemarketers look almost as cute and noble as robbers, especially now that we’re entering election season.

    So how do you stop them from happening at all?

    stay away from people searches
    Q: Is it possible to remove your personal information from people search sites? It’s just scary.

    A: People-search sites can be more annoying than your Facebook or Instagram account.

    Friends and strangers may pay a company to learn personal information about you, and this information is almost always collected in a fair and legal manner.

    So what if you don’t want people to peep into your business? Requesting a deletion can be tricky and even tedious, but there are several ways to scavenge your dossier from their database.

    Stop Dangerous Pop-ups
    Q: The video pop-up window drives me crazy when I’m viewing a site. can i stop them?

    A: Most media companies now use ads to be displayed on the actual website; It hovers there for a moment, and then disappears, allowing you to continue reviewing the content.

    An actual pop-up window can interrupt the flow of your browsing, especially videos.

    Even worse, these pop-ups may be designed to infect your computer with malware, which makes them more than just unpleasant – they are actively trying to harm your network.

    apple watch competitor
    Q: Apple has a watch. Will Google ever have a watch?

    A: For the past few years, Google has been developing its own wearable interface, the Google Pixel.

    Google Hardware is moving fast with its home virtual assistant and the ultra-affordable Pixelbooks. Unconfirmed rumors are rife, but I think the new Google Watch will give Apple a run for its money.

    It was only a matter of time.

    pinpoint photo data
    Q: I definitely need to know where and when a particular photo was taken. Is this possible?

    A: When you dig into a digital photo’s metadata, you can find a whole lot of story hidden out there: the size of the file, the number of pixels, when it was created, and even more about the camera. Information too.

    Many pictures will tell you where in the world the picture was shot. All this embedded information says a lot about a simple jpg, especially when the photo is freely circulated over the internet.

    Once you start mastering “EXIF” files, you can understand even more about images and their origins.

    This information can be beneficial if you want to track the origin of an image, and they can also leave the photographer vulnerable as cybercriminals are also adept at analyzing this kind of data.

    What digital lifestyle questions do you have? Call my national radio show and click here to find it on your local radio station. You can listen to The Kim Komando Show on your phone, tablet or computer. Click here for my free podcast, from buying advice to digital life issues.

  • These forensic tools expose any photo’s hidden data

    The images contain a wealth of hidden, useful data, including the date and time the image was captured, time zone, type of smartphone used, and geographic location, including longitude and latitude.

    There are many reasons for recovering image data, such as the need to collect evidence for an upcoming trial, to help prevent loss of data, to modify its information, and to know the copyright holder of the image.

    To uncover the hidden data of any photo, forensic tools can be used. Forensic tools can detect simple metadata or perform more advanced tasks, such as determining whether a photograph was altered.

    One of the ways to retrieve hidden image data is by looking at its EXIF ​​file.

    What exactly is an EXIF ​​file?
    EXIF, short for Interchangeable Image File Format, is a code snippet that contains the identifying information of your image saved to your device.

    Depending on where the image is uploaded, EXIF ​​file data may be automatically retained or deleted. Forensic tools can quickly analyze the original image file.

    A lot of image data can be manipulated, such as description, author, and “date modified” information.

    Many photographers may do this for the webmaster to preserve the originality of their work or to reduce site load, as EXIF ​​file information can take up considerable storage space.

    Which forensic tools are reliable to use?
    There are many reputable image forensics tools that will help with compatibility, from basic to advanced, depending on the operating system used, camera manufacturer, image file type, and more.

    1. AnalogXif
    AnalogExif is a metadata editor available for both Apple and Windows, allowing users to modify EXIF ​​data for JPEG and TIFF image files.

    Other features include the ability to auto-fill exposure numbers and copy metadata from another file, an excellent feature for batch jobs where lots of images are involved.

    2. JPEG and PNG Stripper
    JPEG & PNG Stripper is a tool to isolate, edit and remove junk metadata for JPEG and PNG files. Simply launch the program, drag your photos onto its window and it will do the rest. This editor also allows modifying the ‘taken date’ data with a few exceptions if you wish.

    Overall, JPEG & PNG Stripper is a simple and quick program to use for keeping your photo metadata in order. Note: This software is limited to photos containing data only under “Microsoft Windows Properties”. It is not suitable for photos taken from iPhone or Android.

    3. ExifTool
    ExifTool is one of the more well rounded command line EXIF ​​editors, ExifTool allows users to read, write and edit meta information, supporting over 10 different file formats from 15+ digital camera manufacturers does. It is compatible with Windows, Mac OSX and Linux.

    Have a question about photos, image metadata and digital forensics? Kim has your answer! Click here to send Kim a question she can use and answer it on her radio show. The Kim Komando Show is broadcast on over 450 stations. Click here to know show times in your area.

  • Why your iPhone struggles in hot weather – and how to fix it

    Wow, this year’s summer season is definitely intense! Wherever you are, you’re probably feeling the heat.

    It doesn’t matter whether you’re in the dry heat of the deserts of Arizona, where it’s scorching, or the sweltering heat almost everywhere, you’re going to be sweating the most.

    But did you know that your gadgets and electronics are also affected by the summer heat? From their batteries to their internal circuits, a huge increase in temperature could mean bad news. The hotter it gets, the worse it is for your phone.

    Telltale Signs Your iPhone Is Overheating
    Your smartphone may start working when the temperature rises.

    According to Apple, iPhones work best when the ambient temperature is 32º to 95º F. Anything above or below this limit and your iPhone will start to change its behavior to protect itself.

    A clear sign in this “overheat” warning that will prevent you from using your iPhone until it cools down.

    Other telltale signs are the performance hit as your iPhone tries to protect its internal components from heat damage.

    There’s also this unfortunate side effect of using your iPhone in hot conditions: it can permanently shorten its battery life.

    Apple also said that the appropriate temperature range for storing an iPhone is between -4º to 113º F. For this reason, never store your iPhone inside your car as the temperature inside a parked car can exceed this limit.

    Leaving your phone in a hot car or in the sun accelerates chemical reactions that cause the battery to lose its capacity. This means the battery will hold less charge each time it is exposed to high temperatures.

    how to cool your smartphone
    Cooling down your phone can be a lot harder than you think. What if you work outside and you’re in the heat and direct sunlight all day? We all use our smartphones to call and text coworkers.

    No matter where you are when your smartphone is heating up, there are a few ways to cool it down. Some of these are common sense solutions. Others are secret tips to cool down your phone so you can get back to using it.

  • How to speed up your computer

    With how fast technology is developing, it seems we have at least some patience with the slightest delay or wait time. Whether we’re trying to download a file or try to open a program, if it takes too long, our frustration reaches its full potential in record time.

    While it’s important to remember the good old days of downloading songs on Napster and waiting for a video to buffer as long as possible before starting to play, there are ways to accommodate this new level of impatience that we’ve achieved over the years. have done. If your computer is running slow and preventing you from working at lightning speed, there are some quick and easy solutions.

    But first, let’s talk about why you might have this problem in the first place.

    Why is my computer so slow?
    When you open your brand new computer, it is clean. It doesn’t have a year’s worth of saved files, dozens of downloaded programs, and a cluttered desktop.

    On top of that, when you “close” a program on it, it may not actually close. do not believe me? Open your Task Manager to see all the programs currently running on your computer. This is more than likely to happen than you expected.

    Of course, there is a possibility that your computer is not to blame for the lack of speed. If your Internet connection is slow, you may want to consider looking into the quality of your router or the specifics of your high-speed Internet plan. But if that’s not the problem, and your computer is to blame, try the following methods to put things back on par.

    When in doubt, check out the obvious
    Take a moment to really take a look at the exterior of your computer. Are all the wires and wires tangled? Make sure they are all securely plugged in correctly. Is your computer dirty? Give it some time to wipe down (be sure to take it off first) and clean off any dust or dirt. It may sound silly, but it’s entirely possible that something very small is causing a big problem.

    reboot time
    If you’re looking for a quick fix, a simple restart may be your answer. In many cases, restarting your computer can solve some basic underlying problems. Whether you have background processes running that are slowing things down or need important system updates, closing everything can get you back up to speed.

    lose junk
    By using free software like CCleaner, you can quickly find all the programs and files that are slowing things down. Decide which ones to clean and voila! If you’ve had your computer for a while, you’ve probably gotten a great deal of “junk” and this move alone should have a big impact on your PC’s performance.

    Another digital junk drawer to deal with is your desktop. The more cluttered your desktop is, the harder your system will have to load icons and folders every time your desktop refreshes.

    Finally, if your device storage is reaching full capacity, it may be time to clean up the house. Move all of your photos and videos to Google Photos, Amazon Photos, or one of the many other options available.

    Assess your programs and settings
    Take a look at your programs and decide if there are any that can be removed. One or more of these unused programs may be the culprit. While you’re at it, take a quick look at your scene settings to see if there’s anything you can do without. Do you really need your computer to operate at the highest resolution? Or what about that animated screensaver? Working too hard to keep your computer looking cool will destroy its ability to perform well.

    defragmenting
    Taking the time to defragment your hard drive is another surefire way to increase your speed. This process consolidates all the free space created on your hard drive as you accumulate files and folders. Essentially, the defragmentation process makes it easier for your hard drive to think faster.

    get rid of malware
    Make sure you have a good anti-virus program installed and use it to scan for malware. You’ll be doing your computer and yourself a huge favor if you set it to update automatically and remove identified problems.

    make necessary repairs
    There are many activities that can lead to errors in your Windows system files without your knowledge. Although it may take a few extra minutes to make repairs, it’s worth taking the time to fix them. If you’re using Windows 10, just type the command in your Ask Me Anything taskbar, type “sfc /scannow” (put a space between the C and /) and click Command Prompt if there’s a problem. Then you will be notified. Stable. If so, reboot your computer and you’re good to go!

  • SimpliSafe’s new home security system is even smarter

    Nothing is more precious to you than your family. He is the one greeting you at the door after a long day’s work.

    When life lets you down, your children and grandchildren have a strange way of turning things around. That’s why you’ve been working so hard for so many years, right?

    Everything you do is for your family to make sure they are happy, healthy and of course safe! But how do you keep them safe while you’re sleeping, at work, running errands or visiting family on the other side of the country?

    Our sponsor SimplySafe has been redefining home safety for years. His approach is simple but extremely effective.

    SimplySafe provides a multi-layered, wireless home security system that does much more than sound an alarm when an intruder enters. It does so with a super-loud siren, but it goes even deeper with the SimplyCam, a panic button, motion sensor, and more. Too much.

    Still, as powerful as the SimplySafe home security system is, it’s sleek, beautiful, and has a compact design. In fact, SimplySafe is known for the cool, sophisticated look of its base stations and sensors.

    Bonus: Courtesy of Komando.com Click Here for an Exclusive SimplySafe Deal!

    good design

    Incredibly, the new SimplySafe is even more beautiful and compact than before. Keep reading: Home security systems are getting smarter!

    SimplySafe has partnered with design firm IDEO, which is best known for working with Apple, to make each component smaller, more powerful, and modern-looking. Each component will complement your home.

    Its sensors are about half the size of the previous version. Still, they are more powerful with almost twice the range of those previous versions.

    The most noticeable change is in the SimplySafe base station. The design is already a showstopper with its blue LED light ring letting you know it’s on.

    The Base Station interacts with you, including guiding you through the home installation process.

    Home Security Work When Wi-Fi Is Off
    It is natural to be worried. When it comes to home security systems, you may have worried years ago that thieves were cutting your telephone wires. Snap – No longer home security!

    That was then. Now, you may be worried that your wireless home security system will shut down when your Internet is not working.

    What happens if Wi-Fi is turned off? That’s a great question that SimplySafe has a great way to answer.

    SimplySafe uses both Wi-Fi and cellular connections, so your home is secure, even if your Wi-Fi is turned off. Plus, 24-hour battery backup is available in case your home’s power goes out.

    layered security

    SimplySafe is a multi-layered home security system that protects your home from intruders. But it does much more than that.

    Think of SimplySafe as covering your bases. It starts with a super-loud 85db and a 105db siren.

    There are door and window sensors. SimplySafe has tools to alert you to fires, carbon monoxide, freezing pipes, floods, and more, including a panic button (photo above).

    SimplySafe has sensors to alert you even with broken windows or a broken keypad. What’s more, SimplySafe alerts you almost immediately when your system is started.

    The best thing that can happen is that you are never far from home, no matter where you are. Use your smartphone to receive text message alerts or livestream video to watch inside your home.

    SimplySafe will give you peace of mind knowing that you are protecting your family. Now, you can get a 60-day guarantee with free shipping and free returns! Courtesy of Komando.com Click Here for an Exclusive SimplySafe Deal!

    “Alexa, protect my house”

    We’ve all become accustomed to smart-home technology and voice-activated assistants like Amazon’s Alexa. You’re always making requests like, “Alexa, how’s the traffic?” or “Alexa, close the garage door.”

    Soon, you’ll be able to use your voice to activate your SimplySafe home security system. SimplySafe plans to integrate the system with Alexa in the near future.

    Other plans include smart locks for your exterior doors (photo below). Plus, you’ll soon be able to get video doorbells and more from SimplySafe.

  • Consumer tech helps those going back to school

    The feel of a freshly sharpened pencil. Stack of notebooks in backpack. The latest superhero or cartoon character to grace the lunchbox.

    As millions of people go back to classes, think of the hundreds of rituals passed from school to school—all of which were once America’s stables. Many things are required from every parent.

    But thanks to everyday technology, these pieces of our lives are gone forever.

    Even the most advanced calculus or math instructor today would not know how to use a slide rule. Just no different from the moms of 35 years ago.

    They’ll be stunned to learn that there’s no more traditional back-to-school shopping.

    It’s all online, and home delivery is done from Wal-Mart and Amazon.

    Forget pencils and pens; Note talking and homework are done on laptops and iPads—except for first to fourth graders, where you still need a standard notebook, glue, and crayons.

    Still, even then, with a keystroke and standard two-day delivery, everything is only a few hours away.

    It may be back to school, but this year, it’s with far less trauma, thanks to consumer tech.

    Hear my thoughts on going back to school in this consumer tech update. Tap or click here to listen.

    Globally, 1.2 billion students are currently affected by nationwide school closures. According to a recent UNICEF study, more than 70 countries recently announced plans to reopen schools for in-person learning, while other schools will offer distance learning options or hybrid models.

    School administrators, teachers, staff, parents and students are faced with the daunting task of adhering to current recommendations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 while meeting worldwide education standards.

    The spread of COVID-19 in the school setting is still largely unknown. However, institutions will learn and develop best practices as the school year progresses.

    For schools looking to reopen, experts recommend a number of practical and important measures to improve school safety during the pandemic, such as physical distancing, mask requirements, staggering school start and end times, Staggering meal times, reducing class sizes through hybrid classes, holding classes in temporary locations or outdoors, providing handwashing and sanitizing stations throughout schools, improving safe food preparation, and more. Implementing these measures requires additional time and resources, potentially shifting the focus away from learning.

    In other areas where it is not yet safe to reopen, or districts are unable to invest the time and money for the above measures, distance learning can fill the void. Online learning now offers increased opportunities for both students and schools at all educational levels. COVID-19 has accelerated online learning, which is ripe for growth in recent years. Global edtech investment reached $18.66 billion in 2019, and the total market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2025.

    According to new research, institutions with adequate remote environments and technology access can offer online courses that enhance retention of information. Based on improved learning outcomes, e-learning technologies such as live streaming, online learning software and AI solutions will become the cornerstone of the global education system post-pandemic.

    Whether a school is returning to the online classroom or in-person, investing in the right technology solutions will not only address this critical moment, but help build a new foundation for future learning experiences. Let us explore the five major challenges the education sector is now facing and the technology solutions that can help mitigate them.

  • List of Alexa commands you’re not using but should be

    Are you like the millions of people who are turning their space into a “smart home”? This, of course, is a home that is equipped with electronic devices that can be controlled remotely by computer or phone.

    This practice is becoming so common that the world of virtual assistants has opened up. Instead of tapping one app to play your music, then another app to turn on your lights, and another to turn down the thermostat, you can do all of that from just a single Home Hub.

    One of the most popular virtual assistants is Amazon’s Alexa. You can find Alexa in many Amazon products such as the Echo, Dot, and Tap.

    Amazon is constantly updating the performance of Alexa. The virtual assistant is now able to assist you with over 15,000 skills.

    Alexa is also making its way into non-Amazon products. We recently told you about the Lenovo Smart Assistant, which looks similar to the Amazon Echo but has some subtle differences.

    Now that Alexa won’t be limited to Amazon products, it’s bound to come to many more homes. If you don’t have an Alexa enabled gadget right now, maybe you will someday.

    That’s why we are going to tell you about some such useful commands of Alexa that you may not know about.

    assistant alexa commands
    It’s easy enough to get the attention of Amazon’s virtual assistant when using a connected speaker. All you need to do is say “Alexa” and she is ready to execute your command. Let’s start with the basics.

    flash briefing
    Flash Briefing is a quick overview of news and other content that you can find and enable in the Skills section of the Alexa app. Alexa reads text or plays audio content provided by each enabled skill. Flash briefings usually become a regular part of your day.

  • Android power tips you’ll wish you’d known all along

    Do you want to take your Android expertise to the next level? If you read our everyday essential tricks for your Android, you might feel like you have everything you need to know about your daily Android life.

    But think again. From blocking calls to naming a song that’s playing, maybe a few more advanced tricks will have you saying “I wish I knew it all.”

    These five tips will definitely power your Android experience.

    1. Set Your Phone to Unlock Automatically

    Do you find it too cumbersome to keep unlocking your phone in trusted places like your home? Well, here is a tip that you can try.

    Introduced in Android 5.0 Lollipop, Smart Lock is a feature that lets you automatically unlock your Android phone under certain conditions without having to enter your passcode, pattern lock or password.

    2. Plug in Mouse or Keyboard

    Did you know that you can connect an external wired mouse, keyboard or game controller to your Android gadget?

    All you need is a USB On The Go (OTG) cable like the one on Amazon.

    An OTG cable is an adapter that converts a regular Micro-USB port to a standard size so you can connect a variety of peripherals.

    Connecting an external peripheral to your Android gadget has its advantages because the mouse will display a cursor and a keyboard, in addition to precise typing, will let you perform keyboard shortcuts.

    However, not all Android gadgets support this setup, so make sure you check beforehand.

    3. Zoom in on anything on your screen

    With all the high pixel density displays that Android phones are rocking these days, text can be hard to read at times. To remedy this, you can use Android’s built-in magnification feature.

    Turn it on by going to Settings >> Accessibility >> Magnification Gestures and then toggle it to “On”.

    To quickly enlarge a portion of the screen, just tap it three times quickly. Pinch with two or more fingers to adjust the zoom level. You can also move around the screen by holding down your finger on the third tap.

    4. Set priority interruptions to only accept calls from “starred” contacts

    On occasions when you don’t want to be disturbed, you can filter text and call notifications to show only the contacts you consider important.

    To set your “Do Not Disturb” preference setting, go to Settings >> Sounds >> Do Not Disturb. Here you can choose your messages and notifications for calls and messages.

    Note: To set your “Starred Contacts,” open Contacts, search for the contact you want to favorite, then tap the star in the top left.

    You can also turn on “repeat callers” in this section. If this feature is turned on, you will always receive a notification if a caller attempts to call you within a 15-minute period, regardless of your priority setting.

    If these options are not enough, you can also set your own custom notification rules under “Automatic rules”.

    5. Access Quick Settings

    Here’s a quick trick that might come in handy.

    You’re probably used to swiping down from the status bar to view your notifications by now. But did you know that you can access your Android device’s quick settings by swiping down with two fingers instead?

    Try. It’s a convenient way to tweak Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, and rotation settings.

    Bonus: Ask Google to find out what song is currently playing.

    Ever been compelled to know the title of an unknown song playing? Instead of using a third party app like Shazam or SoundHound, you can just ask Google.

    Do this by opening the Google app, tapping Mic on the search bar, and then asking “What’s this song?” Your phone will then listen and it will try to show you the song title, artist and album information.

    5 tricks only Android pros know
    Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives and our identity. Are you an Android owner? I am sure you will enjoy the flexibility of the apps and the huge amount of features that comes with your device. Android phones are known for versatility and customization. Click here for 5 Tricks Only Android Professionals Know.

  • Borrow free audiobooks using your phone

    If you’re a busy person, you probably already love audio books. You can listen to them on your way to work, in your car or on the train. You can listen to them while doing various hobbies like knitting or painting. If you do data entry at work, they can make the monotony you have at the office a little more bearable. And you can hear them while you exercise or walk around.

    In other words, audio books are great for people who have a lot to do because they make reading an activity that you can do while multitasking. If you have time for music, you have time for audiobooks, and therefore time for reading. This is no small feat in the world of literature, considering how much attention it takes to sit and read a page.

    By removing the visual component, and wonderful storytelling, audiobooks give people who may not have the time, time to read. It is a valuable thing to give to people, especially to and for those who are passionate about literacy and literature.

    It should come as no surprise that libraries, fantastic resources for many things but especially books and reading, have had audiobooks in their collections for quite some time now. Absolutely, you must be thinking. You’ve probably seen those giant cassette tapes or those CD box sets when you’ve been to the library.

    But audiobooks from the library aren’t just physical anymore—you can get them digitally, just like you can get eBooks. And you can get them without ever leaving your home!

    How do you get access to thousands of audio books from your local library? All you have to do is download the Libby app by Overdrive.

    Libby can access your library’s catalog anywhere without a library, and its excellent audiobook player allows you to listen to books to your heart’s content. Want to try Libby yourself? Just follow the instructions below, and you’ll be enjoying audiobooks in no time!

    1. Get a Library Card

    Well, full disclosure, Libby works remotely, but you need a library card to use the app. So if you don’t already have a card, or if your library card has expired, you will need to visit the library one more time to get the card or to renew your old card.

    Typically, a local library requires some sort of photo ID that confirms your local address. If you don’t have your address on your ID (such as having an out-of-state license), you can usually get a library card by bringing what ID you have, and proof of address, such as a utility bill, or a copy. of your lease.

    From there, you’ll fill out a little paperwork for the library, and you’ll be all set to borrow books in person and on Libby!

    2. Download Libby

    Logically, of course, you’ll need to download the Libby app to use it. Libby works on tablets and phones and can be found in the Apple and Microsoft app stores as well as on Google Play.

    You can find links to download directly on the Libby website, which can be accessed from your favorite audiobook or e-reading device. Libby can send books directly to your Kindle or any other Adobe-compatible e-reader if you prefer that device—you need the app on the phone or tablet to make it work.

    3. Find your library and sign in

    Once you have the Libby app downloaded and opened, and after you’ve confirmed that you have a library card for Step 1, you’ll need to use Libby (in circles) to find your local library in the app. adorable girl).

    You can let it guess Libby based on your location (which requires you to allow the app to use location services), or by searching within the app itself.

    Type the name of the library, or search for your city or zip code, and select your library from the list.

    If your local library is part of a connected system throughout your state, expect to find the name of the library system in this part rather than your specific branch.

    With your library located, if your library system has a lot of Kindle downloads available, you can confirm that you’ll be doing most of your reading on your Kindle, or on Libby itself. Select the one you like, and you’ll be asked to sign in with your library card right after.

    Type your library card number, and, if your library system has it, your library card PIN number. Your library PIN should have been set while you were in the library—contact the branch you visited if you do not remember the number to reset it.

    Tap “Sign In” and Libby will show you your account; You’ll be able to see how many books you have with Libby, and how many you’ve held, as well as how many loans and holds you’re allowed from the library.