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Alan Truly

Alan Truly

Computing Writer

Alan is a Computing Writer living in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, Alan stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years experience in computer, video and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. Alan has a degree in programming, many years focused on design, editing, and animation. A period of managing logistics and e-commerce operations for a mobile accessories company rounds out a diverse background. Alan is a true jack of all digital trades in this ever-changing computer-enriched world. To stay flexible in mind and in body, he practices yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

Microsoft Copilot comes to Bing and Edge.

Microsoft Bing and Edge are getting a big DALL-E 3 upgrade

Microsoft's AI focus will make your shopping easier with Copilot guiding you, while Bing becomes much more artistic with DALL-E 3 image creation.
Computing News
Surface Laptop Go 3 at Microsoft debut event.

Microsoft’s Surface Laptop Go 3 is a more capable budget laptop

Microsoft's new Surface Laptop Go 3 is much faster, more expensive, and packed with more AI goodness than last year's model.
Computing News
A screenshot of Microsoft Paint shows the new layers feature.

Microsoft Paint is about to get so much better

Microsoft just released a big update to its bundled Paint app, adding layers and more nuanced features for compositing.
Computing News
Brother MFC-J1205W INKvestment Tank printer is a small, affordable home office printer.

Tight on space? You still have room for a printer — if it’s the Brother MFC-J1205W

Brother's MFC-J1205W INKvestment Tank is a surprisingly compact all-in-one printer that fits on a shelf, but it isn't like other tank printers.
Computing Reviews
Zebra is a well-known thermal label printer manufacturer.

What is a thermal printer, how they work, and do you need one?

Learn what a thermal printer is, how the technology works, and when it's the right choice compared to inkjet and laser printers.
Computing Guides
A person sitting in front of a PC using Adobe Premiere Pro.

You can finally use Adobe’s game-changing AI features in Photoshop, Premiere, and After Effects

Adobe's AI additions to Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and After Effects are finally out of beta, and there are even more features for the general release.
Computing News
A person wearing Apple's Vision Pro headset.

Apple Vision Pro: release date, price, specs, and more

Apple's exciting, yet staggeringly expensive Vision Pro XR headset is no longer a rumor. Here's everything we know about Apple's revolutionary new device.
Computing Guides
Petoi's Bittle X is a programmable robot kit that looks like a futuristic cyber-dog.

I built my own robot dog, and you can too

I tried Petoi's Bittle X robot dog kit, an inexpensive way to learn new skills and have fun with advanced technology.
Computing Features
A laptop opened to the ChatGPT website.

GPT-4: how to use the AI chatbot that puts ChatGPT to shame

ChatGPT-4 has officially arrived and now includes the ability to interact with images and longer text.
Computing Guides
the best home printers

How to find your printer IP address and WPS PIN

You might need your printer's IP address or WPS PIN to update firmware, check ink levels, or connect to Wi-Fi. We help you find that network data.
Computing Guides
A closeup of a person reclining on a sofa, playing a game on Lenovo Legion Go while looking up at a virtual screen in Legion glasses.

Lenovo’s Legion Glasses promise big-screen gaming wherever you are

With Lenovo's Legion Glasses, portable gaming doesn't have to mean leaving the big screen behind. They also pair nicely with the Legion Go handheld.
Computing News
Google presenting new Docs features.

This is how Google Docs is challenging Grammarly’s AI

Google Docs is challenging Grammarly with an AI-enhanced proofreading feature that's part of Duet for Workspace.
Computing News
Alan Truly's standing desk has a MacBook Air, Surface Book 2, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

How I supercharged my productivity with a free typing app

I found this free text expansion app invaluable for detailed, technical writing. It prevented mistakes while speeding up my typing.
Computing Features
Microsoft Edge appears on a computer screen with plants and a window in the background.

Windows 11 will finally respect your default browser — in Europe

Edge keeps popping up even after you've chosen another default browser. That will change in the future, but only if you live in Europe.
Computing News
The HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw is sturdy super fast.

HP built an office-caliber color laser printer that fits right in at home

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw is a speedy and reliable all-in-one printer with an eye-catching design and a user-friendly touchscreen.
Computing Reviews
The Epson Expression Home XP-4200 is surrounded by print examples.

How much is printer ink, and what’s the most economical printer type?

Is that budget printer really a good deal? Ink cartridge prices are a hidden cost that you need to consider when shopping for a bargain.
Computing Guides
A product shot of the Meta Quest 3 shown in dramatic lighting over a gradient background.

Meta Quest 3: everything you need to know

Meta has been dropping hints about a new VR headset, and rumors regarding the Quest 3 suggest it will be a high-performance device that won't break the bank.
Computing Guides
Apple Vision Pro being worn by a person while using a keyboard.

Apple calls the Vision Pro a ‘spatial computer.’ What is that?

Apple's Vision Pro is a spatial computer, but it looks like a VR headset begging the question of what's different and what that means for the future.
Computing Guides
The TapStrap 2 is a great solution for my Microsoft Surface Book in tablet mode.

I tried an insane one-handed keyboard, and I actually liked it

If you're looking for an ultra-portable keyboard, this strap-on solution could single-handedly change the way you work.
Computing Features
A person uses a smartphone to print something with a Brother MFC-L2710DW wireless monochrome laser printer on an office table.

What is a monochrome printer, and do you need one?

If you're shopping for a new printer, you might want to check out a monochrome printer, an odd name for a device that's actually quite common.
Computing Guides
A woman on a Zoom call.

Zoom backpedals, says it will no longer use user content to train AI

Zoom's AI features were trained on user content, but the company has backpedaled following user backlash.
Computing News
Apple CEO Tim Cook looks at a display of brand new redesigned MacBook Air laptop during the WWDC22

Apple is trying to guarantee enough M3 chips for the next year

Apple might hoard TSMC's advanced 3nm chip manufacturing capacity for 12 months, further extending its processor efficiency advantage.
Computing News
Canon's imageClass MF275dw is a nice-looking home office printer.

It’s priced for a home office, but this Canon all-in-one prints like a pro

Canon's imageClass MF275dw is a speedy, black-and-white, all-in-one laser printer with a bargain price, but does it offer good long-term value?
Computing Reviews
Inmo Air 2, Xreal Air, and Engo 2 smart glasses are held in hands.

Are AR glasses still a pipe dream? I tested 3 of the newest to find out

I tried three different smart glasses with unique and exciting features, some with advanced AR features -- here's what I learned.
Computing Features
Alan Truly wears the Pimax Crystal, a premium VR headset with incredible sharpness.

This VR headset made me never want to go back to my Quest 2

Most VR gamers still use a Quest 2, but if you try this premium PC VR headset like I did, you won't want to go back to a standalone device.
Computing Features
Lifting a stack of documents from the HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e's paper tray.

The best all-in-one printers you can buy in 2023

Since working from home is the new norm, having a printer on hand has gone from nice to necessity so you can print, scan, or fax as needed.
Computing Products
Apple's 15-inch MacBook Air placed on a desk.

Apple’s serious miscalculation with the 15-inch MacBook Air

15-inch MacBook Air sales are slow enough that Apple significantly cut orders, suggesting shoppers aren't impressed with a bigger, heavier Air.
Computing News
Xreal Air is lightweight and comfortable enough for hours of use.

These AR glasses showed me the future of spatial computing — and I’m excited

Xreal recently released a powerful new accessory for Air smart glasses, adding an an AR feature and spatial anchors to fix its virtual display in space.
Computing Features
Canon Pixma G4270 is a MegaTank all-in-one inkjet printer.

Canon Pixma G4270 MegaTank: a long-lasting home office printer

Canon's Pixma G4270 MegaTank printer promises long-lasting, low-cost ink and home office essentials. We check its speed, quality, overall value.
Computing Reviews
Siri on an iPhone.

Apple GPT is real and may be coming sooner than you think

Apple is reportedly internally testing Ajax, a secret, privacy-focused AI chatbot, with plans to announce some major advance in 2024.
Computing News
Man using Chromebook touchscreen.

How to print from a Chromebook — the easy way

Our complete guide shows how to print and scan from your Chromebook wirelessly or via USB, including setting up your printer and print options.
Computing Guides
A Brother printer on a counter in front of a brick wall.

The best color laser printers for 2023

Color laser printers are the go-to choice for home offices and small businesses. But which should you buy? Here are our picks for the best color laser printers.
Computing Products
A divided image shows an Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3.

Apple Reality Pro vs. Meta Quest 3: power or price?

We compare Meta's Quest 3 and Apple's Vision Pro, two next generation VR headsets with advanced mixed reality capabilities.
Computing Products
Epson WorkForce WF-2930 is a low-cost, compact all-in-one printer.

Epson WorkForce WF-2930: a low-cost home office printer with a fax

Epson's WorkForce WF-2930 has an inviting price, so we checked if the quality good enough for your home office and explored long-term costs.
Computing Reviews
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