Week Three Questions, Tech News, & Tips

Program Notes for the 3rd Week of the Month

Jul 20, 2026, 1 and 7 PM | Join Online Meeting > Browser—Search Engines—Research Tools A web browser or Internet browser is software for retrieving, presenting, and traversing information resources on the World Wide Web. 2026 | Join Online Meeting > The Gadget Gurus:  I will review the current tech news. We will do our best to answer questions about computers, smartphones, apps, cameras, tablets, and the internet. Bring your tech issues and enjoy the meeting.

 This Week’s Tip or Trick

This Buried Apple Feature Turns an iPhone Into the Perfect Kids’ Dumb Phone – Wired

Assistive Access is a built-in iOS feature that simplifies your iPhone into an easy-to-use “dumb phone”. It replaces complex menus and small text with a clean, high-contrast interface and massive app buttons. It’s perfect for seniors, children, or anyone seeking a distraction-free digital detox.
Key Features
  • Simplified Apps: Apple’s core apps (Calls, Messages, Camera, Photos, and Magnifier) are stripped down to their most essential functions, with large buttons.
  • Custom Layouts: Choose between a bold, high-contrast Grid View or an easy-to-read List View for your apps.
  • Strict Communication & Content Blocking: You can restrict who the user can call or message to a specific contact list, and web links inside text messages are safely deactivated to prevent accidental internet browsing. 
  • Emoji-Only Messages: Messages can be tailored to use just an emoji keyboard or a video selfie for quick, simple communication.
    How to Set It Up
    • Open your Settings app and tap Accessibility.
    • Scroll down to the Cognitive section and select Assistive Access.
    • Tap Set Up Assistive Access and follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your Apple Account.
    • Choose your preferred app layout (Grid or List).
    • Select which apps you want to allow on the simplified home screen.
    • Set a dedicated 4-digit Assistive Access passcode (this prevents the user from accidentally exiting the mode without your permission).

    I tested a launcher made to declutter Android, and it’s a hidden gem – androidpolice.com
    If it’s normally a minimalist, fuss-free life for you, why not bring a little of that simplicity to your Android phone’s home screen?

    Installing the Senior Home – Easy Launcher (by Eazylife Tools) To get started, download the app from the Google Play Store, open it to grant permissions, and set it as your default home screen.  .  Help

    If you ever need to switch back to the original phone layout, simply navigate to your phone’s Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Home app and switch back to your phone’s original interface

    Bitwarden Tip

    Leverage Password History
    If you accidentally overwrite an old password or a site forces you to enter your “current password” before you can set a new one, don’t panic. BitWarden retains a history of your previous passwords and the dates they were changed for every vault item, ensuring you never lose access to your account recovery flow.

    Info from Jay B: Re thermal cameras: (1) The X2 that attaches to a cellphone is sold out at the OEM and at Amazon. (2) Attaching to a cellphone may not matter because handhelds have a slot for a memory card.
    A:  Thermal cameras can be rented. Here are links to Home Depot’s advice on using one and another link to reviews of thermal cameras.

    News & Tip

    iPhone

    Deals,  Sales & Reviews

    Video Tips

     

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