Futurelawyer

GMail Dark Mode Isn't For Everybody

Gmail's dark mode is coming to Android phones. Turn it on now - CNET. And the Lord said: "Let There Be Light". So, what is the deal with doing apps with dark mode? You don't save that much battery if the screen is black and the letters are white. I prefer a white page with black letters, thank you very much. I have been reading many years in that milieu, and I really don't understand the hype. So, in a BigEndian, LittleEndian, Jonathan Swift way, I suppose we are now in a battle for eyes of computer users. May the Lord bring light to the world, and may he send the evildoers to the dark environs, where they belong. Alleluia.

GMail - Use It Properly

From The Center Gmail Enhancements and�Tips. I have a vanity email address at futurelawyer.com. In fact, my host provider will forward to me any email sent to futurelawyer.com. Please don't take this as an invitation to send me an email at bozo@futurelawyer.com. The truth hurts. But, the email address I use for most communication is rickgeorges@gmail.com. I have taken flak in the past from  those who think only the great unwashed use gmail. Trust me, I have never lost a client because I use Gmail. But, there are tips and tricks available to GMail users that you should know. Catherine Sanders Reach has done a good job of highlighting them in this article. Every GMail user should check it out. For lawyers, I particularly recommend the option that allows the sending of emails that can only be opened with a code received on the user's phone. This two factor authentication method is a secure way of accessing websites that contain confidential data, and works great for private emails. Be careful out there.

You Now Can Tell Google To Forget It Ever Knew You - Before 3 Months Ago

Google rolls out auto-deletion tool for Location History and activity data. You want Google to know who you are, and where you are. You want Google on that Internet Wall. You want the truth. Well, here's the truth, Pilgrim. Google knows all about you, and there is nothing you can do about it. Except that, now, you can tell Google to delete all your data prior to 3 months ago. Or, for a longer time if you wish. If you are  a litigator, you don't want your opposing parties and witnesses to find this out. What an evidentiary honey pot Google can be. But, if you value privacy; but, still want Google to know what you want in the current time period, go to Settings and tell Google to forget it ever knew you...before three months ago.

Google Assistant Is Faster Than A Speeding Bullet

Google Assistant is 10x faster and knows where your mom lives - CNET. As time has passed, Google keeps making voice control more natural and much faster. Giving commands is almost like a natural conversation, and, with the change to "Hey, Google", it is much easier to voice control your device. Driving is the best, as my cars and stereo systems are now bluetooth enabled, and automatically take over when I get in the cars. "Hey, Google", play some Beach Boys. Hey, Google! What was the score of the Rays game last night? The best part is that I don't even have to think about earphones anymore. The phone automatically transfers over to my Bose Smartglasses when I get out of the car. Meggie Hollenger, of Google, describes the effect this way: "Hey, Google!" 

"Open the New York Times … Open YouTube … Open Netflix … Open Calendar … Set a timer for 5 minutes … What's the weather today? … How about tomorrow? … Show me John Legend on Twitter … Show me Beyoncé on Instagram … Turn on the flashlight … Turn it off … Get an Uber to my hotel."

 

 

Speed Up Your Chrome Browsing. Google Will Help.

Sluggish Browser? Here's How to Speed Up Chrome | PCMag.com. Malware, Adware, sluggish extensions, and just general junk, tends to clog up the works in all software, including Chrome. Over time, you may notice that your browser seems sluggish, and pages load slowly. There can be many reasons for this; but, Google has included clean up options in the browser over time. There are solutions to each problem in this useful article from pcmag. Check it out, and speed up your day.

Google Assistant Updates - Your Computer Is Getting Smarter

Google Assistant getting major upgrades, including full phone operation. If you thought the Google Duplex demo was cool last year, in which a computer user with Google Assistant made a restaurant reservation unassisted, you are in for a treat. Google Duplex and Google Assistant are getting smarter, and will be able to do much more with voice commands. How about telling your computer to make a car rental reservation and watch the computer fill in all the information without intervention? Just click and confirm. There are benefits to Google Assistant knowing everything about you. If you think this is creepy, wait until your computer can anticipate your next question. Wait, it already can? Creepy.

Google Knows Where You Are And Where You've Been

Google unveils auto-delete for location, Web activity, and app usage data | Ars Technica. Google knows. I am not just talking about your physical location and where you've been and what your favorite restaurant is, and when you were there last. I am talking about everything you do. I have written before about how to get into the data Google keeps on you, such as browsing history, and geolocation history. However, you must actively go to a webpage and click to do so. Now, you can limit this data automatically, by setting a time limit on the data keeping. As a lawyer, I might be interested in ediscovery benefits from being able to track someone by examining such data. However, it is really creepy to get into Google's map of every physical you have been for the past couple of years. Now, if I knew I would need an alibi...

The Browser Wars Are Over - Chrome Won - What Now?

Ten hidden Google Chrome tips and tricks for Android. You have finally capitulated to the best browser on the planet, Google Chrome. Now, it is up to you to use it well. What's the point of having a tool like Chrome if you don't use it to make your Internet time more useful and productive? Check out the experimental features in the Chrome Flags section of the browser, and be amazed.

Legal Research On The Internet - First Stop - Google

What Is Google? How to Do an Internet Search. It is amazing to me that more researchers, including lawyers, don't know how to do basic legal research on the Internet. You don't need  a specialized database of cases, or specific training. Every research project should begin with the Google home page. Just start typing search terms and see what pops up. You will probably get lucky. Just do it.

Google Duo Group Calling Going Live

Google Duo group video calling live in certain regions. There isn't a much better way to communicate than face to face. If you can't be there in person, video calls are the next best thing. While I use it primarily to communicate with loved ones, it can be an effective way to connect with clients when email or a phone call won't do. It is also handy when your connection wants to show you something on screen that they are seeing. Now, Google will provide the ability to do this with groups of four. Can't attend a meeting? Fire up Duo.