Nicolae Bochis – Online Tech Tips https://www.online-tech-tips.com Computer Tips from a Computer Guy Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:38:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.3 PlayStation Plus Vs Xbox Game Pass https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gaming/playstation-plus-vs-xbox-game-pass/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gaming/playstation-plus-vs-xbox-game-pass/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Mon, 07 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=97408

Both Sony and Microsoft decided to offer Netflix-like subscriptions for gamers. You pay a monthly fee and get access to thousands of games on your PlayStation or Xbox console. In […]]]>
Both Sony and Microsoft decided to offer Netflix-like subscriptions for gamers. You pay a monthly fee and get access to thousands of games on your PlayStation or Xbox console. In fact, both PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass let you choose games from a library so extensive it’ll take you months if not years to fully explore.

There are different benefits and drawbacks to PlayStation Plus and Game Pass. This article will explore them all so it’s easier for you to choose which one to go with if you also can’t decide which console to buy. Some aspects of these two services are different and you should be fully aware of where you’re putting your money.

PlayStation Plus

The first form of Sony’s subscription service was known as Sony Now, and it came out in 2015. This standalone subscription allowed its users to stream hundreds of Sony titles, old and new. But in June 2022, Sony decided to change its subscription service and expand it into three tiers. The new subscription plan was named PlayStation Plus, and the tiers are Essential, Extra, and Premium.

The Essential PS Plus plan gives you one PS5 game and two PS4 games every month. But you have access to online multiplayer and cloud storage. With it, you’ll have exclusive discounts on all games available for the Sony PlayStation console.

The PS Plus Extra plan gives you access to a catalog of over 400 PS5 and PS4 titles, all of them downloadable. Ubisoft+ Classic titles are included in this plan, so you can play some of the most famous Ubisoft games for no extra cost.

The PS Plus Premium plan is a combination of Essential and Extra tiers and more. You’ll be able to stream and download PS5 and PS4 games and only stream PS3 games. The catalog expands to PS1, PS2, and PSP games, adding over 340 titles to the already existing library of over 400 games. Ubisoft+ Classic titles are also included.

To stream games using the PS Plus Premium tier, you’ll need an internet connection. Sony recommends at least 5 Mbps for your stream to be smooth. Use the streaming service only if you don’t want to bother downloading the game. The only downside is that you can expect some lag and sudden fps drops on occasion.

Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass is available for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. But you can also get the Game Pass for PC if you have Windows 10 or 11. Until recently, Game Pass games were download-only. But Microsoft decided to offer their users a streaming service, and now you won’t have to fill your storage with games you want to try out. However, if you want to play online games, you’ll need Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Unlike PS Plus, Xbox Game Pass has no tiers, and it’s a pretty straightforward service. All the titles from any Xbox generation will be automatically available to you, and you can download and play as many as you want. That is, provided you have enough storage on your Xbox console.

To keep your Xbox Game Pass subscription valid, you have to check in with Xbox Live at least every 30 days. Some titles will leave Xbox Game Pass, the others will join it. Unfortunately, you can’t predict the games that’ll be in the Xbox catalog. However, as a subscriber, you get a discount on buying any game from the catalog, or any game’s DLC.

PlayStation Plus Vs Xbox Game Pass Pricing and Plans

Both PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass plans start at $10 per month. However, since PS Plus has three different tiers, it has a slightly different price for each of them. PS Plus also lets you pay monthly, quarterly, or per year. Check out the price comparison in the table below:

Xbox Game Pass for Console $10/month PlayStation Plus Essential $10/month, $25 quarterly, $60/year
Xbox Game Pass for PC $10/month PlayStation Plus Extra $15/month, $40 quarterly, $100/year
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate $15/month PlayStation Plus Premium $18/month, $50 quarterly,
$120/year

Xbox Game Pass for Console and for PC costs only $10 per month. You have access to the whole Xbox game library and you can download any game you want. But you can’t stream the games. In order to stream, you’ll have to go with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which is $15 per month.

PlayStation Plus plans we explained in the section above. The Essential, which is the basic plan, is $10 per month and it gives you three downloadable games and access to online multiplayer support. For $15 you can upgrade to PS Plus Extra and get access to the whole Sony PlayStation game library. To stream the games however, you’ll have to pay $18 per month for the PS Plus Premium subscription.

PlayStation Plus Vs Xbox Game Pass Game Library

The whole vision behind both PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass is to give users access to a Netflix-like library of content. In this case, the content is games that you can download or stream, depending on the plan you choose. Both platforms have extensive video game libraries, but they have different approaches to maintaining their catalogs and how they add new titles.

While Sony waits a few months to add the newest titles to their PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers, Microsoft adds the new titles to their Xbox Game Pass on their release date. This is a big deal if you like playing the newest games as soon as they’re released. On the other hand, if you prefer indie games, you’ll be happy to hear that Sony adds these titles to all their PS Plus plans on day one.

Both service providers also partnered up with various game studios and offered their games. For example, if you love EA Games and their titles such as Need for Speed, the Sims, or Star Wars, you might want to go with the Xbox Game Pass as you can play them on the Xbox console. Microsoft is also in partnership with Riot, and you can use their Game Pass for PC to play League of Legends. On the other hand, Sony partnered up with Ubisoft, and their catalog as well as the Ubisoft+ Classic games list, is accessible through the PlayStation console. If you love Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and the Tom Clancy franchise, you might want to go for PS Plus.

Not all games are permanently available in Microsoft’s or Sony’s game catalog. That depends on the publisher. For sure, all first-party games, developed and published by Microsoft or Sony, will stay in the catalog permanently. But the games made by third-party developers will rotate out of the catalogs. This is especially true for new games that have a set timeframe for how long they will be available. Classic first-party titles tend to stay available permanently.

That said, here are some of the most popular and successful games available on each console subscription service.

Most Popular PS Plus Games

  • God of War
  • Horizon Forbidden West
  • Doom Eternal
  • Final Fantasy 16
  • Spiderman
  • Death Stranding
  • Red Dead Redemption II
  • Assassin’s Creed franchise

Most Popular Xbox Game Pass Games

  • Halo: The Master Chief Collection
  • Ghostwire: Tokyo
  • Minecraft Legends
  • Goat Simulator
  • Watch Dogs 2
  • Among Us
  • Forza Horizon 5
  • Mass Effect

PlayStation Plus Vs Xbox Game Pass Game Streaming

Game Streaming, or Cloud Gaming is supported by Xbox Game Pass Ultra and PlayStation Plus Premium. You can use this feature to stream the games on your console, or other devices in case you don’t own Xbox or PlayStation.

Xbox cloud gaming with Game Pass Ultra lets you stream games on Xbox consoles, PC, tablets, smartphones, and some Samsung smart TVs. Some titles are even optimized for touchscreens, so you won’t need to use a controller to play them on mobile devices.

PlayStation Plus Premium offers streaming only on PS5 and PS4 consoles, and PC. For now, there’s no option to directly stream to smartphones or TVs. Games that were specifically developed for PlayStation 5 cannot be streamed yet. However, you can always download these titles to your host PS5 console, and then stream them to your PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

The advantage of the PS Plus Premium plan is in its Play Share feature. Use it to share your screen with online friends and play games together as if you were in the same room. Xbox Game Pass doesn’t offer this or any similar feature.

PlayStation Plus Vs Xbox Game Pass Verdict

For now, the Xbox Game Pass wins over PlayStation Plus, but PlayStation Plus is catching up and offering some nice benefits to their subscription service too. Getting premium game titles and releasing them on the same day is a huge plus for Xbox Game Pass.

Although both Sony and Microsoft offer their subscription plans for PC gaming, Xbox does it with smartphones too and allows mobile users to enjoy some of their titles without even having to bother with the controller. Sony has yet to expand its offer of exclusive high-profile titles and device support.

Although Xbox Game Pass is a better bang for your buck, it’s only because it was on the market much longer and it had time to develop. Given time, Sony will catch up and it’s already catching up reasonably quickly. You can already spend thousands of hours with a PS Plus subscription.

That said, the ultimate decision about which to choose will depend on the games you want to play. Check out the full libraries of both Sony’s PlayStation Plus and Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass and look for the titles you want to play. In this area, it’s worth mentioning that the PlayStation Plus catalog is larger than the Xbox Game Pass catalog, and Sony has some of the most attractive and award-winning titles that are exclusive to the PlayStation console.

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How to Cancel Your Adobe Subscription https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/how-to-cancel-your-adobe-subscription/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/how-to-cancel-your-adobe-subscription/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Wed, 02 Aug 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=97341

An Adobe Creative Cloud subscription gives you access to cloud-based tools, such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, to take your creative works to the next level. That said, Creative Cloud […]]]>
An Adobe Creative Cloud subscription gives you access to cloud-based tools, such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, to take your creative works to the next level. That said, Creative Cloud apps can’t always help you with what you need for certain projects, and these days we have plenty of alternatives to Adobe, including free ones like Gimp.

So you might want to try some of these tools and cancel your Adobe subscription. We’re here to help you through this process and give you some information on getting a refund if you’re eligible.

If you want to cancel your Adobe Acrobat Pro or Photoshop subscription, you’ll also have to give up other elements of Adobe Creative Cloud, such as Adobe Stock and Indesign.

What to Consider Before Canceling an Adobe Subscription

Canceling your Adobe subscriptions can have consequences you’ll need to consider. Weigh your options and think if this is the right moment to cancel that subscription, as there’s no such thing as freezing your account and going back to it whenever you want. Instead, you’ll have to go through the account reactivation process, which can be tedious.

Another thing to consider is when you last paid for the subscription. If you want to cancel your Adobe Creative Cloud more than 14 days after the last payment, you won’t be eligible for a refund.

If you want to keep some of the Adobe perks, such as extensive cloud storage, but you don’t need Photoshop anymore, perhaps consider changing the subscription plan instead of canceling the subscription. This way, you get to choose what plan suits you better and keep the perks that you still find useful.

Remember that canceling your Adobe subscription won’t delete your Adobe account. All your data will still be there. If you need to delete the account permanently, contact Adobe Customer Support.

How to Cancel Your Adobe Subscription

Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to cancel your Adobe subscription:

  1. Go to your account page on the Adobe website.
  2. If you’re not logged in, Adobe will ask you to enter your sign-in details before redirecting you to the plans page.
  1. Select Manage Plans.
  1. A new window will pop up where Adobe will ask you if you want to change your plan or cancel it. Select Cancel your plan to proceed.
  1. Choose why you’re leaving Adobe by ticking the box next to the answer that describes your case. You can also write a comment if you think it’s necessary. When done, simply click Continue.
  1. Adobe doesn’t like losing their customers, and they’ll try again to persuade you to change your plan instead of canceling it. Select the No Thanks option if your mind is set on canceling Adobe.
  1. The next page will list the consequences of canceling Adobe’s subscription. Sometimes, you’ll need to pay a fee, and the price will depend on whether your subscription is annual or monthly. Click Continue to finish the cancelation process.
  1. At this point, Adobe will try to get you to rethink your decision again and change your plan or get one of its other products. Select No Thanks again.
  2. Finally, the next page will display all cancelation details. Review them so you’re sure there are no mistakes. Select Confirm, and your Adobe subscription will be canceled.

Once you complete all these steps, you can expect a cancelation confirmation email to arrive in your inbox. That’s when you’ll know your Adobe subscription cancelation was successful. You don’t need to reply to this email or take any other action.

Canceling Your Adobe Trial

You can try out Adobe products without having to pay for them. When you sign up for the trial period, you must add your billing details. After the trial period, Adobe will automatically start charging you for their services. You can cancel your trial subscription before that happens.

The steps for canceling a trial plan are the same as the one described above. If you want to cancel your trial, follow the directions described in the “How to Cancel Your Adobe Subscription” section. Ensure you do it before the trial period expires to avoid getting charged.

Cancellation Fees and Adobe Refund Policy

If you cancel your Adobe subscription within 14 days from the last payment, you’ll be eligible for a full refund. But if you cancel it after those 14 days, you can use the subscription until the end of that billing cycle. This is valid if you have a monthly subscription.

If your subscription is annual, Adobe will let you cancel it within a month from the subscription renewal. That’s why you should mark the subscription renewal date in your calendar.

All Adobe subscription plans renew automatically. That means once you input your debit or credit card details, you don’t have to go through the payment procedure every month. The subscription renews itself without you having to do anything. So if you want to cancel your subscription and not get charged for the next subscription period, you’ll have to do it before the end of your contract term.

What Happens When You Cancel Your Adobe Subscription

Your account won’t be deleted once you cancel your Adobe subscription plan. Instead, it’ll be transferred to the free plan. You’ll lose access to all apps and tools, but you can continue using your Creative Cloud storage. Adobe will also downgrade your storage to 2GB.

If you use more than these free 2GB of cloud storage, you’ll have 30 days from the subscription cancelation to reduce the number of your files; otherwise, you’ll lose some of them. Lightroom images will stay online and be accessible for up to 12 months after subscription cancelation. You can still import and organize them, but your access to the Develop and Map modules in Lightroom will be restricted.

That said, canceling your Adobe subscription is a relatively painless process. Depending on how you initially signed up for the subscription, it may take just a few clicks or involve some more involved steps. No matter what, taking this vital step to manage your finances and ensure you’re not automatically paying for services you no longer need will save you time, hassle, and money over the long run. Remember always to double-check your account details to ensure your subscription has been successfully canceled.

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Forgot Your HBO Max Password? Here’s How to Reset and Recover It https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/forgot-your-hbo-max-password-heres-how-to-reset-and-recover-it/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/forgot-your-hbo-max-password-heres-how-to-reset-and-recover-it/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Thu, 27 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=97236

Are you an avid HBO Max watcher but can’t seem to remember your password? Don’t panic! It happens to all of us. Don’t worry, there’s a way to reset it […]]]>
Are you an avid HBO Max watcher but can’t seem to remember your password? Don’t panic! It happens to all of us. Don’t worry, there’s a way to reset it whether you have access to the email address or recovery phone number associated with your account, or not. In this post, we’ll outline exactly how you can regain control of your HBO Max account so you can get back to streaming in no time.

Reset HBO Max Password Using the Browser

If you’re using a computer to reset your HBO Max password, you’ll have to do it through the web browser. But the steps are pretty simple:

  1. Go to the HBO Max website and select Sign In in the upper right corner of the screen.
  1. On the Sign-in page, where the website asks you for your account credentials, select Forgot Password?
  1. A pop-up window will ask you to enter your account email address. You’ll have to use the email that you used to create the HBO Max account in the first place. When done, select Submit.
  1. Go to your email and check your inbox. Find an email titled “Reset Your HBO Max Password”. You might need to wait several minutes for the password reset email to arrive. If it doesn’t arrive, you may have entered the wrong email address.
  2. Once you open the “Reset Your HBO Max Password”, select Reset Password.
  1. You’ll be redirected to a Create a New Password page in your browser. Here you’ll have to type in the new password of your choosing and click the Save Password button.

And That’s it. You reset your HBO Max password without having to log in. Now use your HBO Max email and the new password to log in and continue watching your favorite shows.

If you don’t remember the email you used when creating the HBO Max account, you can try going through all your email inboxes and searching for promotional emails from HBO. You don’t have to scroll manually to find it, use the search bar and type in HBO or HBO Max. Search all inbox folders, including Spam and Trash. When you find such an email, try using that email address to access your HBO Max account or to change your password.

Reset HBO Max Password on Mobile Phone

If you prefer to change your HBO Max password using a mobile phone or a tablet, follow these steps:

  1. Open the HBO Max app and tap the profile icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.
  1. Tap Sign in to your account and select Forgot password.
  1. Enter your email and tap Submit. Just as described above, you’ll need to use your original HBO Max account email.
  1. Go to your Mail app and find the “Reset Your HBO Max Password” email in the inbox.
  2. From the email, select Reset Password.
  3. Enter the new password when prompted and tap Save Password.

Note: It doesn’t matter if you use an Android or iOS device. These steps are the same.

Reset HBO Max Password While Logged In

If you need to reset your password but you remain logged in to your HBO Max account, you can do it easily. You can do it even if you didn’t forget your password but need to change it for security reasons.

To do it from a desktop computer:

  1. Go to HBO’s homepage.
  2. Click the profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen.
  3. Select Account from the drop-down menu.
  1. Find the Account Details section, and select the Edit icon that’s right next to your password.
  1. A one-time code will be sent to your email. Use it to verify your email address when prompted. Enter the code and select Continue.
  1. On the new page, you’ll be able to enter the new password of your choosing. To make a strong password that’ll protect your account make sure to use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. When done, select Save.

To do it from the mobile phone app:

  1. Open the HBO Max app on your Android or iOS device and log into your account.
  2. Tap the profile icon.
  3. Select the Settings button in the upper-left corner.
  1. Select Account from the menu.
  1. Tap the Edit icon next to your password in the Account Details section.
  1. Enter the one-time code that was sent to your email, and tap Continue.
  1. Enter a new password when prompted, and tap Save when finished.

In both cases, whether you do it through a web browser or mobile app, you should receive an email that confirms your password was changed.

After all this, you should have ready access to your HBO Max account. While it may feel like a hassle, the truth is that having secure passwords makes for a safer and more reliable online experience. What’s more, having an HBO Max subscription means you get access to an incredible selection of award-winning shows and movies right at your fingertips. So don’t let a forgotten password stand in the way.

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9 Best Discord Servers for Making Friends https://www.online-tech-tips.com/software-reviews/9-best-discord-servers-for-making-friends/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/software-reviews/9-best-discord-servers-for-making-friends/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Mon, 24 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=97130

Do you feel disconnected and lonely these days? It seems harder than ever to make meaningful connections with new people. If you’re looking for an easy way to extend your […]]]>
Do you feel disconnected and lonely these days? It seems harder than ever to make meaningful connections with new people. If you’re looking for an easy way to extend your circle of friends, why not try meeting them through Discord?

Discord is an online platform that allows its users to easily join in voice or text chat servers populated by tens of thousands of friendly and engaging individuals from around the globe. In this blog post, we’ll share nine of our favorite Discord servers for making friends.

Although some servers are private, and you can join them only if you are invited by a host or other members, there are public Discord servers that you can use to make online friends. Some of them are relatively old and well-known, but some are new servers ready to take on new members. So start making friends in one of the most popular communities, and see where that takes you.

1. ChillZone

Tags: Social, Egirls, Gaming, Fun, Nitro, Anime, Emotes & Emojis.

Number of Members: 445,009

The sheer volume of this server guarantees you’ll find a friend or two here. There are over 445,000 people continuously chatting in this Discord Server and the topics vary from games to crafts, and even astronomy. Join this server and simply jump into the active chat. Since this server is imagined as a virtual chill zone, there’s no need for formal introductions.

There’s no age limit to join this server. People here range from very young to some old-timers. This is the best place where you can find entertainment if you’re bored, but also a place where you can learn something new. Just imagine the experiences all these people have. There are over 40,000 active users at any time.

2. Anime Soul Discord

Tags: Anime

Number of Members: 676,898

Anime Soul Discord is created for sharing all things Anime. If you’re into Anime, this is the place where you’ll meet people with the same interests and tastes as you. Join over half a million people who are discussing daily their favorite animated worlds and characters.

With so many active members you can’t fail to find several friends in Anime Soul Discord. This server took the shape of a social group where you can share anime-related pictures, videos, recipes, and more. If you’re also passionate about manga, don’t worry, there’s a channel dedicated to this form of art too.

3. The Choco Bar Server

Tags: None

Number of Members: 8,533

Choco bar is perhaps not as large as other Discord servers, but it is a perfect choice if you’re looking for a more intimate and tight-knit community. This chill server has no tags because it doesn’t have a main theme. Its goal is to gather different profiles of people and enable them to chat about just about anything.

Nevertheless, there are some topics that are extremely popular. Among them are art, science, fashion, literature, and politics. But the best part is that you don’t really have to be interested in any specific niche in order to make a lot of friends here. Join this server and chat about your daily troubles or the newest accessory you bought.

4. The Weeb Empire

Tags: Anime, Stickers, Memes, Emojis

Number of Members: 182,569

Another popular anime-tagged server is the Weeb Empire. It gathers gamers and anime lovers from all over the world, and all of them are your potential new friends. What’s so special about this server? Well, it’s one of the most active Discord communities out there. It has around 30,000 members online at any given moment, and they are all chatting and socializing.

This is the place where you’ll surely make some new friends. Just join an already flowing chat, or start your own topic and wait for the people to jump into the conversation. It doesn’t matter if it’s day or night, this Discord server always has someone online to talk to.

5. Daddy

Tags: Social, Egirls, Chill, Anime, Emotes, Emojis, Gaming, Nitro, Fun.

Number of Members: 517,527

If you’re looking to increase your social circle, or you’re looking for a new virtual space to hang out in, don’t skip joining the Daddy server. There are over half a million people here and more are joining every day. At any given time, you can find over 40,000 members online ready to make friends.

Although there are specific tags, this friendly server works as a social network and you can chat about anything that comes to your mind. The focus here is on many voice channels where you can join and live talk to a plethora of interesting people. These voice chats can host 60 people at a time. There are some Nitro perks as well for even more enjoyment.

6. Lofi Girl

Tags: None

Number of Members: 845,435

Lofi Girl is probably the perfect place where you can find some new Discord friends. It’s a massive community server that counts over 845,000 members. All these people chat about video games, science, mental health, travel, tech, pets, music, and so many more topics, on a daily basis. You can also find a great and detailed list of interesting YouTubers, Podcasts, and Twitch Streamers here.

There are approximately 100,000 members online at any given time. All gathered around the central figure of the famous Lofi Girl, which, by now, is certainly a pop-culture icon. If you need new friends to study with or simply to chill with, consider joining this extremely popular Discord server.

7. Roblox

Tags: None

Number of Members: 873,779

If you’re a fan of Roblox games, consider joining the Roblox Discord server. Here you can find people interested not only in playing video games but also in making them. Chat about the most recent developments and releases, or simply find fellow gamers to play with.

The Roblox server is a huge community and no doubt you’ll find some new friends here. There are over 120,000 members active at any moment, playing together, or discussing various gaming-related topics. Don’t be shy, simply join the conversation and see where it takes you.

8. Friendscord

Tags: Social, Chill, Adults, Anime, Gaming, Fun, Art.

Number of Members: 95,723

Friendscord is a Discord server truly dedicated to making friends. It may not be as big and popular as some servers on the list, but this is the place where you’ll meet some of the most fun and passionate people from all over the world. Join the chat and discuss anything that comes to your mind. But be polite and don’t interrupt other people’s conversations.

The chats and voice channels of Friendscord are active 24/7 and you can join them whenever you want. Here you’ll meet people who’ll game with you, organize movie nights, or simply listen to you venting. This server uses Discord bots to enhance the interaction between its members and the staff is online and available 24/7 if you need help with something.

9. Royal Weebs

Tags: Anime, Emojis, Kpop, Roblox, Genshin, LGBTQ, Egirls, Manhwa, Valorant.

Number of Members: 96,053

Royal Weebs is a very welcoming community, a safe space that’s also SFW. However, it does cater mostly to Anime fans, although you can find various topics to chat about such as art, media, memes, and games. In fact, you can find gaming partners here as many Royal Weeb members play Minecraft and Fortnite daily.

This Discord server has plenty of fun and colorful emojis and monthly Nitro giveaways. The moderators are always available, fun, and ready to help. The chat is active, and you can always opt to join a voice chat or a video call if you want. But be warned, most members of Royal Weebs are teenagers and young adults, although there is technically no age limit. This server won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.

All in all, joining a Discord server is great for meeting new people and expanding your social circle. Discord offers an array of different servers you can join to find others who share your interests in gaming, coding, art, or just general chatting. No matter what you’re looking for in your social life online, there’s sure to be a Discord server that fits the bill. So why wait? Find a group of like-minded folks today and make some good friends!

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How to Cancel Your Norton AntiVirus Subscription https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/how-to-cancel-your-norton-antivirus-subscription/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/how-to-cancel-your-norton-antivirus-subscription/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Wed, 19 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=97072

Are you considering canceling your Norton AntiVirus subscription? Did you sign up for the limited trial, but can’t figure out how to cancel it? We’re here to help. For reasons […]]]>
Are you considering canceling your Norton AntiVirus subscription? Did you sign up for the limited trial, but can’t figure out how to cancel it? We’re here to help. For reasons ranging from active virus protection to system optimization and beyond, many of us turn to products like Norton AntiVirus for computer security solutions.

But as circumstances or preferences change, it may be necessary to cancel that subscription. So here are the steps needed to follow to cancel your Norton subscription on any of your devices.

About Norton AntiVirus Subscriptions

When it comes to cybersecurity, Norton is a well-known company that offers protection against malware. Their antivirus is built as a combination of almost all internet security features known to us today. Because of that, it’s capable of protecting your device no matter which operating system you use. It works equally well on Windows and macOS as well as Android.

But different people have different needs, and Norton decided to offer multiple options and rates to accommodate most users. There are different Norton AntiVirus subscription tiers, and each brings more or less to the game. Let’s name a few:

  1. Norton AntiVirus Plus comes with protection features for your devices, but it lacks some extra security add-ons.
  2. Norton 360 Standard or Deluxe version comes with all the protection you might need plus a password manager and a VPN.
  3. Norton 360 with LifeLock is for everyone who is looking to get advanced cybersecurity protection with special identity protection features.

As you can see, Norton’s subscription models are not very flexible. Some tiers lack certain features you might want while others offer bells and whistles that you’ll never use. So if you don’t get the most from your subscription you might want to search for alternatives and end your Norton membership.

How to Cancel My Norton Subscription from Windows or Mac

  1. Go to my.norton.com and sign in with your login credentials.
  1. Place your cursor over your profile image on the dashboard, and select Manage My Subscriptions from the menu.
  1. Under the My Subscriptions tab, find the subscription plan you want to cancel and click the Cancel Subscription Renewal link displayed on the right.
  2. After clicking the link, Norton will try to persuade you to stay subscribed with an attractive offer. If you’re determined to unsubscribe, select the Cancel Renewal button on the lower right corner of the screen.
  1. There will be several pages where you’ll have to confirm your subscription cancellation. Next, Norton will ask you for your opinion. Select the reason for unsubscribing from the drop-down menu, and click the Cancel Renewal button again.
  1. Next, Norton will warn you about the benefits you are losing when you unsubscribe from their service. Select the Cancel Renewal button yet again.
  1. Finally, you’ll receive a message saying you successfully canceled your Norton subscription.

And that’s it! You stopped the auto-renewal of your Norton subscription. You’ll no longer be charged for their membership.

How to Cancel My Norton Subscription on iPhone or iPad

You can always use your favorite web browser such as Safari or Firefox to cancel your Norton subscription from your iPhone or iPad. But if you purchased this antivirus from the Apple App Store, you’ll have to do it from your phone’s Settings App. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap your Apple ID and a new menu will appear.
  1. Select Subscriptions to open the list of active subscriptions.
  1. Tap Norton and select Cancel Subscription or Cancel Free Trial.
  1. When prompted, confirm the cancellation.

And that’s it. But if you want to claim a refund, you’ll have to do it from a browser. Just follow the steps described in the How to Request a Refund section.

How to Cancel My Norton Subscription on an Android Device

If you purchased Norton by using the Google Play Store, you’ll have to cancel your subscription through the store itself. No matter if you’re using an Android smartphone or a tablet, these steps are the same:

  1. Go to Google Play Store and tap your profile icon at the top right corner of the screen.
  2. Select Payments & Subscriptions.
  1. Go to Subscriptions.
  1. Find Norton, tap it, and select Cancel Subscription.
  1. Select a reason why you want to cancel your subscription, and tap Continue.
  1. Finally, confirm that you want to cancel the subscription.

And that’s it!

Norton Free Trial Cancelation

If you want to try out Norton AntiVirus without the obligation that comes with a subscription, you’ll be happy to hear that the website offers a free 14-day trial. The trial period may be different, depending on Norton’s offer, or the region where you are signing up from.

But if you sign up for a free trial, Norton will demand your payment information. You’ll have to use your credit card details and expect you’ll be charged after the free trial period expires. That is unless you cancel the subscription in time.

Even if you started a free trial, the steps to cancel your trial subscription are the same. If you used their official website to start the 14-day free trial, use the steps described in the How to Cancel My Norton Subscription from Windows or Mac section. If you used Apple App Store or Google Play Store, follow the steps described in the respective sections. Just make sure you do it at least 24 hours before the trial expires, and you won’t get charged for the next subscription cycle.

Norton Refund Policy

If you’re not satisfied with Norton, or your security and protection needs change, you should know you might be eligible for a refund. Norton has a well-defined refund policy. Note that you can get a refund for both the Norton annual subscription and Norton monthly subscription.

The refund policy may be different for you if you bought a Norton product through a third party (retailer, app store, or service provider). In that case, check with the specific third party on their refund policies.

The Annual Subscription Refund Policy

If you choose an annual subscription, you are eligible for a full refund if you request it within 60 days of purchase. This is what Norton calls a 60-day money-back guarantee program. You can also get your money back if you request a refund 60 days from the start of your next billing cycle.

Monthly Subscription Refund policy

You’ll get a full refund for your monthly subscription if you request it within 14 days from the date of purchase. However, subsequent monthly renewals are not eligible for a refund.

Trial Subscription Refund policy

If you started the trial period and forgot to cancel it before it expired, you’ll be charged for the annual subscription. However, you can get a refund if you request it within 60 days from the date when you were billed, not the date when your trial started.

How you’ll request a refund depends on the region where you are from. You can do it by contacting Norton through the official Norton Support page, or through live chat on their official website. If you are from the UK, you can dial the Norton Refund Helpline phone number (+44 0800-368-8383) and get a professional to resolve your issue. Processing the refund request may take several days, so be patient.

Canceling your Norton AntiVirus subscription might seem like a hassle, depending on the device you’re using, because Norton tries so many times to keep you as a customer. A few minutes of effort now will save you plenty of money down the line. Whether you no longer need the protection or you’re looking for a different antivirus service, making sure you’re not charged anymore is key to saving money and managing your online security effectively.

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How to Download YouTube Shorts Videos (Mobile and PC) https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/how-to-download-youtube-shorts-videos-mobile-and-pc/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/how-to-download-youtube-shorts-videos-mobile-and-pc/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Thu, 13 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=96958

Do you want to download YouTube Shorts videos straight to your mobile device, laptop, or PC? YouTube Shorts became a massive hit when they were introduced in 2020. In a […]]]>
Do you want to download YouTube Shorts videos straight to your mobile device, laptop, or PC? YouTube Shorts became a massive hit when they were introduced in 2020. In a short span of time, they hit over 5 trillion views in total. The content of these Shorts is diverse and everyone can find something interesting to watch quickly. After all, a YouTube Short is a short-form video, and it lasts only 60 seconds. But that’s enough for some fast entertainment or a quick lesson.

With this guide, we’ll show you the easiest and most convenient way for downloading all of that awesome content. Also, make sure to check out our guide on how to download YouTube playlists. It takes only a few simple steps to perform desktop or smartphone downloads and it really doesn’t matter whether you’re using an Android, an iPhone, or a Windows machine.

How to Download Your YouTube Shorts from YouTube Studio

If you’re a content creator, and you regularly post on YouTube, then you are already familiar with the YouTube Studio. Through it, you can have full control over your online presence on YouTube, but you can also use it to save your own videos and shorts. Unfortunately, YouTube doesn’t have a separate save option, and that means if you delete a video or a short from your YouTube channel, you might lose it forever. To prevent that, download the short to your PC or phone and save it. Here’s how:

  1. Go to YouTube Studio. You can do it by clicking on your YouTube profile image, or from the direct link.
  2. Select Content from the left column.
  1. The next page will display all the content you uploaded to YouTube. Find the video or a short you want to download. You can also use the search bar at the top to find the content on your channel. If you used #shorts to label your short video, it’ll be even easier to find.
  2. Place your cursor over the video you want to download and click on the three-dots menu.
  1. Select Download from the drop-down menu.

YouTube will start downloading your short video for free.

If you’re using a mobile phone or a tablet, you’ll need to download a YouTube Studio app. Here’s how you can download your YouTube Shorts with the mobile app:

  1. Open the YouTube Studio app and select Content at the bottom of the screen.
  1. Find a video you want to download and tap the three dots next to it.
  1. Tap Save to Device to start the download.

YouTube will download your short video on your mobile device or tablet. These steps are the same for Android and iOS devices.

But what if you want to save YouTube Shorts that are not yours? YouTube Studio is of no help then.

How to Download YouTube Shorts Videos to Windows and Mac PC

If you want to download YouTube Shorts from your favorite content creators, on your PC, you’ll have to use third-party online tools. Unfortunately, YouTube doesn’t give us the option to download videos directly. That’s why you’ll need external help to do it. There are various YouTube downloading apps and websites out there that work both on Windows and Apple computers. Some will help you save your favorite shorts for free, while others might ask for a small fee.

It’s essential to choose a good and trusted YouTube downloader that’ll not only meet your needs but also be malware free. Be careful what you’re using so you don’t infect your PC.

Using the Shortnoob YouTube Website Downloader

One of the most trusted websites for downloading YouTube videos and shorts is Shortnoob. Here’s how you can use it:

  1. Go to the Shortsnoob website.
  2. You’ll have to open YouTube in a separate browser tab and access the short you want to download then click on the Share button.
  1. When a pop-up link window shows up, select the Copy button. This will copy the current Shorts video link.
  1. Now go back to the Shortsnoob tab and paste the URL into the search bar. Press the Search button.
  1. Select the video quality in which you want to download the short and click the Download button.

And that’s it! The Shortsnoob website will automatically download the selected short. You can now find the video in your download folder, and double-click it to play it from your PC.

There are similar websites that’ll allow you to download YouTube Shorts and Videos to your PC or mobile device through a web browser. Some of the most popular ones aside from Shortnoob are 8Downloader and Savetube. No matter which one you use you can’t choose between video formats. The video you download will be saved in .mp4 format.

Using the 4K Video Downloader App

If you’re downloading YouTube videos and shorts regularly and you want them in high-quality, perhaps you’ll want to install a PC app that’ll help you do it faster and without much hassle. 4K Video Downloader is a good choice and it works on macOS, Windows, and Linux OS. It’s also designed to download TikTok videos or Instagram Reels. 4K Video Downloader has more download quality options than simple online tools, and it’ll allow you to convert YouTube videos in mp3 format and save them as audio-only.

Once you install the 4K Video Downloader, the steps to download the YouTube shorts are the same as using the website. Copy the short’s URL into the software, and hit the download button after selecting the video quality.

You should know that 4k Video Downloader is not a free app, although you can try it out with a free trial period of 14 days. There are different license options you can purchase for different prices. The choice of a license will affect its duration (one year or lifetime), how many videos you can download, the option to simultaneously download multiple videos, playlist download, subtitle download, and so on.

How to Download YouTube Shorts on Android

You can use websites such as Shortsnoob on your mobile device too. Just open your phone’s web browser such as Opera or Google Chrome and follow the same steps described above. Unfortunately, the Official YouTube app no longer supports downloading shorts, so you’ll need to resort to third-party apps.

The best third-party app for downloading YouTube shorts on Android devices is the Tube Shorts Downloading App. You can get it for free on Google Play Store.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open the YouTube app and find the Short you want to download. Click on the Share button to get the link to it.
  1. Select Copy Link.
  1. Launch the Tube Shorts Downloading App and paste the video URL into the search field. Tap the Search button and the video will open.
  1. Tap the Download This Shorts from Here button.
  1. If prompted, allow this app access to your phone’s storage.

You’ll find the Shorts in your phone’s downloads folder. From here you can move it, or tap it to watch it in a media player or Gallery app.

How to Download YouTube Shorts Videos on iOS

Although you might find plenty of YouTube downloader apps on the App Store, you’ll most likely receive an error if you try using them. Also, the YouTube downloader online tools will not work on an iPhone or iPad. The best workaround is to use a YouTube downloader website in order to download Shorts on your PC and then transfer the files to your iPhone.

If this is too time-consuming for you, consider becoming a premium YouTube member. Premium membership allows downloads directly from YouTube to any device. If you don’t want to commit to paying just to download one or two videos, you can always start the YouTube Premium trial. If you have never used it before, the trial period lasts for one whole month. Just make sure to cancel your subscription before they charge you for the next billing cycle.

By downloading YouTube Shorts videos on your mobile device or computer, you can easily access the content at any time! The process is straightforward and simple, and it even supports quick downloads if you want to capture a moment with minimum fuss. Now that you have the knowledge on how to do this, start exploring the different Short videos people upload and save the ones you like. Keep in mind though, that any usage must follow YouTube’s rules and Terms of Service.

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How to Request a Refund for Xbox Games and Subscriptions https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gaming/how-to-request-a-refund-for-xbox-games-and-subscriptions/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gaming/how-to-request-a-refund-for-xbox-games-and-subscriptions/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Fri, 07 Jul 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=96839

You might think you’re stuck with a bad Xbox game purchase, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Microsoft lets you refund the game or cancel the subscription; however, […]]]>
You might think you’re stuck with a bad Xbox game purchase, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Microsoft lets you refund the game or cancel the subscription; however, you must not abuse this system. You have to have a reason to refund your Xbox games. There are rules and regulations, and you might not be eligible for a refund.

This article will describe everything you need to know about refunds and subscription cancellations, whether directly from an Xbox console or through a Microsoft account.

Requesting a Refund for Game and Game Purchases

The Xbox ecosystem has thousands of games, apps, DLCs, subscription services, and more. But with such a complex system, mistakes can happen. You may have simply bought the wrong game, or someone from your household purchased a game from your account without your approval. You need a refund for many reasons, and nothing stops you from requesting it. But before you send a refund request, you should be familiar with Microsoft’s refund policy:

  1. Use the account from which the purchase was made to request a refund. If someone else has access to your account, you’ll have to ensure it’s secured and that you are familiar with all the security settings. Make sure you are the only one who can sign into your account, and there won’t be any unwanted purchases in the future.
  2. Refunds are not guaranteed, so you’ll need to make a request. Even when you do so, Microsoft will review your problem and make an appropriate decision on whether to refund you or not. Their comprehensive refund program is part of the “buying experience,” but Microsoft reserves the right to decline a refund if they find you are abusing their system.
  3. Not all products in the Microsoft Store are eligible for a refund. The Xbox refund program applies only to digital gaming content. If you want to refund your Xbox device, you must go through a different program.

What Is Eligible for a Refund

Here are the products that are eligible for refund or cancellation through the Xbox program:

  • Xbox digital games and game offers. This includes bundles that contain multiple games or digital products.
  • Digital games, expansions, and DLCs.
  • Non-redeemed and not used digital game single-use consumables.
  • Digital pre-orders up to 10 days before the product launch. You’ll find them in the Microsoft Account Order History.
  • Gifted games and game purchases if you are a sender, not a receiver.

Note that refunds do not apply for digital movies, TV shows, or TV app purchases.

Refund requests also must meet specific Microsoft criteria:

  1. Refund requests must be made within 14 days of the purchase. Sometimes, this period can be extended to 30 days, especially if you are unsatisfied with the license agreement or warranty terms of a purchased product.
  2. You must not have significant playtime invested into a game you want to refund. The exact limit is not specified and is on a set case-to-case basis.
  3. You must stay within the limit of allowed refunds on your account. The financial compensation is measured yearly, but Microsoft does not disclose the limits.

Finally, be patient. Refund requests may take several days to be reviewed and approved or declined. Even when the refund request gets approved, it may take several business days to see the money back in your account.

How to Request a Refund Online

Requesting refunds for game purchases is made through Xbox Support and a web browser. This is valid for any Xbox device you own, whether it’s Xbox One S, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S, as long as it’s a digital purchase. You must refer to the store’s return policy if you bought a physical copy of the game.

Here’s how to request a refund online:

  1. Open the web browser and go to the Xbox support refund request page.
  2. Make sure you are signed in to access your Xbox Account.
  1. Go to the Request Availability tab. It should be in the middle of the page.
  1. Find the game purchase you want to be refunded and click the checkmark box next to the title to select it.
  1. Select the Request a Refund button either above or below the game. This will begin the refund process.
  1. When prompted, give Xbox Support reasons for the refund request and any additional information they might need.
  1. Click Next to continue.
  2. You’ll get a summary of your request. If you are satisfied with all the information in it, select Submit to send your refund request.

Note: If you can’t find the video game you want to refund, remember that new purchases take up to 24 hours to show up on the list. If you still can’t find it, you’ll have to use the order number and your personal information to fill in a request form using this link.

Canceling an Xbox Subscription

Although Xbox has a variety of subscription services, such as Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or Xbox Live Gold, you can cancel any of them at any time. Perhaps the prices are rising, and you can’t afford it, or you simply want to switch to another gaming platform like a PC or a PlayStation.

You can easily refund an Xbox subscription on the Xbox console or Microsoft’s Xbox website. But there are some things you should be aware of.

You can get a full or partial refund or none at all, depending on where you live and your subscription type. Choose from options like “Don’t charge me on the next renewal date” or “Cancel immediately and get a refund.”

The first one simply turns off the automatic recurring billing, but you’ll still have access to all your Xbox games and apps until the end of the billing cycle. There’s no refund if you choose this option. The second option cancels your subscription, denies you access to the games, and refunds you fully or partially, depending on your subscription period.

Canceling Your Subscription through the Xbox

Follow these simple steps to cancel your subscription via Xbox console:

  1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the Xbox Guide.
  2. Navigate to the Profile & System, and select Settings.
  1. Go to the Account located on the left side of the screen.
  1. Select Subscriptions. You may have to enter your Xbox PIN to access this page.
  1. Select the subscription type you want to cancel. All your active subscriptions will be listed first.
  1. Now choose the canceling option, Turn off recurring billing, or Cancel subscription.

Your subscription will be canceled immediately, but if you are eligible for a refund, you may have to wait several business days for the money to appear in your account.

Canceling Your Xbox Subscription Online

If you want to cancel your Xbox subscription through a web browser, follow these steps:

  1. Open the web browser and go to the Microsoft Account Services page.
  2. Sign in to your account if you are not already signed in.
  3. Find the subscription you want to cancel and click the Manage button at the top right corner of the screen.
  1. On the next screen, find the Turn off recurring billing or Cancel subscription option. Select the one that suits you.
  1. Microsoft will offer you different subscription options to switch to. Confirm your decision to cancel the Xbox subscription on the next screen.
  1. Click the button that matches your canceling choice, Turn off recurring billing, or Cancel subscription. The options will depend on what you selected on the previous page.

And that’s it. You managed to cancel your Xbox subscription without a hassle.

Request a Refund Without Abusing the Process

All in all, requesting a refund for an Xbox game or subscription doesn’t have to be a stressful process. With the correct steps and information, you can easily request a refund. Once you’ve requested your refund, it may take up to 10 days for the money to appear in your account. However, if you run into any issues, you can contact Xbox Support or Microsoft Support, who are always there to help. Though your refund options might differ here and there depending on where and what you’re trying to refund, we hope our guide answered your questions.

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How to Wave on Facebook (Desktop and Mobile) https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/how-to-wave-on-facebook-desktop-and-mobile/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/how-to-wave-on-facebook-desktop-and-mobile/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Thu, 06 Jul 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=96798

Starting a conversation with someone over a social media platform such as Facebook can be intimidating. We often overthink what to say and how to introduce ourselves. Back in the […]]]>
Starting a conversation with someone over a social media platform such as Facebook can be intimidating. We often overthink what to say and how to introduce ourselves. Back in the day, poking was a thing. When you didn’t know how to start a conversation, you could just poke someone to get their attention. If they poke you back, you knew they were up for a chat, and you knew where to start. Poking is long gone but not forgotten. It was replaced with the wave emoji.

The wave feature is a much nicer way of starting a conversation than poking. You can use it to say hello to your friends, family, acquaintances, and even people you don’t yet know without feeling awkward. If someone waves at you on Facebook, it’s considered polite to wave back. If you don’t know how to wave on Facebook, this article will explain how to do it not only on your desktop PC but also on your mobile phone, both through the Facebook app and Messenger.

What Does Waving on Facebook Mean?

It’s pretty simple. Just like in the real world, if somebody waves at you they are greeting you. The wave emoji, the yellow hand, is an alternative and fun way of starting a conversation. It means hello, but as a symbol, and it brings more meaning to the chat.

Simply typing “Hello” in chat seems emotionless. On social media, words cannot express the emotion behind the word like emojis can. After all, that’s why they are called emojis. In cultures across the world waving is a cheerful hello, and it’s often understood as a polite invitation for a lighthearted chat. That’s exactly why it’s a perfect symbol to use when starting a Facebook conversation with anyone in your friend list.

How to Send a Wave on the Facebook Messenger App

Most Facebook chats are performed through the Messenger App, which is very convenient. So let’s have a look at how to send a wave using the Messenger app.

  1. Open your Messenger App on your Android or iPhone. Make sure you are logged in on your Facebook account.
  1. Messenger will automatically display your most recent chats. Tap the chat with a person to whom you want to send a wave.
  2. If you didn’t have recent chats with that particular person, go to the People tab at the bottom of the screen. Here you’ll see all currently active friends. Tap on the friend’s name to whom you want to send a wave.
  1. When the chat with that person opens, tap the emoji icon, on the side of the space where you type a message.
  1. The emoji menu will open. Scroll down until you find the wave icon (represented by a waving hand), and tap it.
  1. Tap the send icon, and the wave will be sent to your friend.

And that’s it! Sending a Wave emoji through the Messenger app is really simple.

How to Send a Wave to Someone by Using the Facebook App

If you don’t have the Messenger app installed on your smartphone but you’re using the Facebook app, don’t worry, you can still send a wave to a person in your friend list. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Open the Facebook app on your Android or iOS device.
  2. Make sure you are signed in with your Facebook credentials.
  1. Tap on the Messenger icon in the top right corner of the screen.
  1. This will open the chat page where you can find the person you want to wave at.
  2. Once the chat opens, select the emoji icon.
  1. Find and tap the Wave icon.
  1. Tap the send button.

You’ll notice the last few steps are the same as if you were using the Messenger app. That’s because Facebook made sure that their chat is similar across platforms so people don’t have to learn new ways of making conversations online.

How to Send Wave on Facebook Using Desktop PC

You can virtually wave at your Facebook friends from the Facebook website too. This section will explain how. Note that it doesn’t matter if you’re using Windows, Linux, or MacOS, the steps will be the same. All you need is a web browser.

  1. Open the web browser of your choice and go to the Facebook page.
  2. Login with your Facebook account credentials if you’re not already logged in.
  3. Locate the Chat icon. It’s on the top right side, in between the menu and the notification icon.
  1. From the list of active chats, choose a person to whom you want to wave.
  2. If you never chatted with this person before, you can use the search bar in the chat tab to find them.
  1. Once you find the friend you want to start a conversation with, tap their name to open the chat.
  2. Locate the emoji icon in the text box, right where you type messages, and click it.
  3. You can either scroll down and find the wave icon manually or use the search bar and type Wave to quickly find it.
  1. Tap the Wave emoji and then click the send button.

And that’s all. There’s not much difference between sending a wave from a mobile or desktop Facebook platform. As pointed out before, Facebook is keeping it simple so its users won’t be confused when switching from desktop to app and vice versa.

If someone waves at you and you want to return the wave, the process is the same. Find the wave icon in the emoji menu, and send it. It’s as simple as that.

How to Unsend a Wave on Facebook

If you send a wave by accident to the wrong person, don’t worry, you can easily remove it from their inbox. If you’re quick enough, you can undo it even before they manage to see it. Here’s how:

  1. Go to your chat and select the person to whom you sent the unwanted wave.
  2. Tap on the wave if you are on a mobile device or place your cursor on it, and you’ll see three dots, which is the More menu.
  1. Click or tap the three dots and select the Remove option.
  1. Select Unsend for Everyone option when prompted, and click or tap the Remove button.

You’ll notice the message was removed from the inbox. But the recipient might get a notification that you unsent a message. Depending on your relationship with that person, you might want to explain you sent something by mistake.

Waving hello on social media can provide a more personal and real-life type of interaction between you and your friends, family, and even strangers. Plus, if you want to be extra creative, you can always turn your wave into an artwork of sorts by adding in more emojis or funny GIFs.

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Can’t Post on Facebook? Try These 10 Fixes https://www.online-tech-tips.com/cool-websites/cant-post-on-facebook-try-these-10-fixes/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/cool-websites/cant-post-on-facebook-try-these-10-fixes/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Fri, 30 Jun 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=96705

Facebook users started reporting that they couldn’t post on Facebook and that posts simply didn’t go through. If you’re one of them, know that there are certain things you could […]]]>
Facebook users started reporting that they couldn’t post on Facebook and that posts simply didn’t go through. If you’re one of them, know that there are certain things you could try to fix this issue. It can happen from any device, be it your PC, iPhone, or Android device. This article gives you ten possible fixes to resolve the problem.

Also, check out this troubleshooting guide if you can’t leave comments on your Facebook posts.

Why Can’t I Post on Facebook?

There is no general answer to the question of why can’t you post on the Facebook page because there could be a variety of reasons. However, if you’re trying to post in a Facebook group where you are not an admin or a moderator, you could be temporarily muted or have limited access to the group. You can contact the group admin and clear the issue with them.

That said, here are the other reasons why you’re not able to post on Facebook:

  • Your internet connection is bad.
  • The Facebook server might be down.
  • You’re logged into the wrong Facebook account.
  • You’ve broken the Facebook Community standards.
  • Browser caching problems.
  • You’re having VPN-related issues.
  • The Facebook mobile app might have a glitch.
  • Using browser extensions that interfere with Facebook.

These are the most common reasons why you can’t post on Facebook. By troubleshooting them, you can quickly fix the issue yourself.

1. Relaunch Facebook

More often than not, you can’t post on Facebook because of the common issues between your web browser and Facebook servers. You could solve these issues by relaunching Facebook and re-logging to your account. The re-established browser and Facebook server connection should clear most bugs.

Here’s how to relog in a web browser:

  1. Go to the Facebook main page and click on your profile image in the upper right corner of the screen.
  1. Select Log Out from the drop-down menu.
  1. Close and re-open your web browser and log into Facebook.

You can try the same steps on your mobile device using a web browser to access Facebook.

2. Check Your Internet Connection

You might have some problems with your router or other internet connectivity devices. So, always check your internet connection. Try resetting your router, and if this doesn’t work, contact your internet service provider.

When experiencing problems with your home network, try accessing your Facebook page using your mobile data. That usually fixes the issue for the time being. Still, you will want to check what’s wrong with your home network.

3. Try Switching Between Wi-Fi and Mobile Internet Connection

Undetected problems with Wi-Fi will also prevent you from posting on Facebook. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data to see any difference. You can also try switching between different Wi-Fi networks and see if this resolves your issue.

4. Check Facebook Server Status

Sometimes the problem might be with the Facebook server. Just like any other server, it can experience issues and go offline. Typically, the Facebook server goes down only temporarily, and no notifications will inform you of this. If this is the case, you should be able to post without problems as soon as it returns online.

You can check the Facebook server status by using the Downdetector website:

  1. Go to https://downdetector.com/
  2. Type Facebook in the search bar.
  1. Because there are different servers for Facebook and Facebook Messenger, you can choose which one you want to check. Select Facebook.
  1. The next page will display the status of the Facebook server.

If Downdetector claims there are no problems with the Facebook server at the given moment, continue troubleshooting.

5. Turn Your VPN On or Off

Sometimes, a VPN can interfere with your ability to post on Facebook due to glitchy connection routing. Try turning it off and see if this fixes the issue.

Sometimes, you’ll need to run a VPN to post on Facebook. This can happen if you find yourself in a country where Facebook is banned. If you’re in this situation and still can’t post even though you’re running a VPN, consider switching to a different one.

6. Update the Facebook App

If you can’t post on Facebook from your mobile device, consider updating the Facebook app with the latest version. Outdated apps can create lots of problems.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an iOS or Android user; updating the app is very simple:

  1. Go to the Google Play store (Android) or the App Store (iOS).
  2. Type Facebook in the search bar.
  3. If your app is outdated, you can see an Update button. Tap it, and the update will start automatically.

When the update is finished, go to the app and see if you can post now.

7. Reinstall the Facebook App

Sometimes, updating a Facebook app is impossible due to corrupted files or other bugs. You’ll have to reinstall it. To do this:

  1. Find the Facebook app on your mobile phone and uninstall it. This step will be different depending on the model of your phone.
  2. Go to Google Play or App Store and type Facebook in the search bar.
  3. Tap the Install button (Google Play), and the app will be installed automatically. Instead of Install, you’ll have the Get button in the App Store.

After re-installing the app, try posting something and see if your issue is solved.

8. Try Another Browser

If you suspect your browser is not working properly, try another browser. So if you’re a Chrome user, try Firefox instead. This is the best step to take before trying the next two options. You don’t want to go through the hassle of deleting your browsing data and extensions if it is unnecessary.

9. Delete Browsing Data and Cookies

All browsers store temporary data on your system. This is how they remember websites you visit often and can open them virtually in no time the next time you visit them.

But this data can easily get corrupted and mess with posting on Facebook. If you receive an error message saying, “You can’t post on Facebook,” it could be that one of the browser data files is causing the issue, and you should clear your cache files and cookies.

Don’t worry; websites will still work without issues if you delete these files. The browser will create new temporary files.

Here’s how to delete browsing data and cookies from Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge:

Clear Data on Google Chrome

  1. Open Chrome and go to the three dots menu in the upper right corner. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
  1. On the next page select Privacy & Security from the left panel.
  1. In the right panel, go to Clear browsing data.
  1. When a pop-up window opens, select all the content you want to remove and confirm by clicking the Clear data button.

Clear Data on Mozilla Firefox

  1. Open Firefox and go to the hamburger menu in the top right corner. Select Settings from the drop-down menu.
  1. On the left panel, select Privacy & Security.
  1. Scroll down until you reach the Cookies and Site Data section. Click the Clear Data button.

Clear Data on Microsoft Edge

  1. Open the Microsoft Edge browser. Go to the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and select Settings from the drop-down menu.
  1. From the left panel select Privacy, Search, and Services.
  1. On the right panel, scroll to Clear Browsing Data. Select Choose what to clear button.
  2. When a pop-up window opens, click on the Time range drop-down menu, and select All time.
  1. Select Browsing history, Download history, Cookies and other site data, and Cached images and files to clear. Then click on the Clear now button to execute.

10. Remove Browser Extensions

Various browser extensions make our search engines more personalized and enjoyable. But sometimes, these extensions can interact with some of the websites unpredictably.

Disabling or removing the extensions from your web browser should fix your problems with Facebook. Let’s see how to do it on three already mentioned browsers.

Clear Browser Extensions on Google Chrome

  1. Open the browser and go to the three dots menu. Select More Tools. Then Extensions.
  1. A new window will open, displaying all the extensions you installed. To disable extensions, simply toggle it off. To remove it, select Remove.

Clear Browser Extensions on Mozilla Firefox

  1. Open the browser and go to a hamburger menu. Select Addon and Themes from the drop-down menu.
  1. From the left panel select Extensions.
  1. To disable them, toggle the extension off. To remove them click the three dots next to the toggle switch, and select Remove.

Clear Browser Extensions on Microsoft Edge

  1. Open the Edge browser and go to the three dots menu. Select Extensions.
  1. A pop-up window will open listing all the installed extensions. Here you can deactivate them, or click on the three dots and select Remove from Microsoft Edge.

With some troubleshooting and experimentation, you should be able to resolve most Facebook posting problems quickly and without too much effort. Remember that the key to solving most technical issues is usually trial and error.

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Why Your PlayStation 5 (PS5) Lags and 10 Ways to Fix the Issue https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gaming/why-your-playstation-5-ps5-lags-and-10-ways-to-fix-the-issue/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/gaming/why-your-playstation-5-ps5-lags-and-10-ways-to-fix-the-issue/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Sun, 25 Jun 2023 22:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=96614

Are you having trouble enjoying your PlayStation 5 (PS5) gaming experience due to excessive lag? If so, you’re not alone! Many PS5 gamers are running into similar problems, and in […]]]>
Are you having trouble enjoying your PlayStation 5 (PS5) gaming experience due to excessive lag? If so, you’re not alone! Many PS5 gamers are running into similar problems, and in this article, we’ll talk about why your PS5 is lagging online and show you how to fix it properly.

Why Your PlayStation 5 Lags or Freezes

There are several reasons why your PS5 is having lag issues. Some are more common than others. We recommend you rule out the simple causes of lag before you move on to troubleshooting the more serious ones. Here are a few known issues that can cause lag, freezes, or a PS5 shutdown:

  • Poor internet connection.
  • PSVR connection issues.
  • Software issues.
  • Overloaded network.
  • Interference between the router and the console.
  • The game is not optimized.
  • Problems with internal hardware.
  • Storage issues.
  • Unstable power source.

Each of these possible causes is fixable, so let’s see what you can do to improve your gaming session.

1. Turn Your PS5 Off and On

Sometimes you can solve serious performance issues with the most straightforward solutions. Turning your PS5 off and then on again can improve how your device runs games. But the important part is to wait a few minutes before turning it on to reset your PS5 completely.

Turning off your console is a good habit. Unfortunately, some users don’t turn off their devices for long periods. Instead, they leave it in the rest mode. But to keep your gaming console healthy, you should fully shut down your PS5 regularly.

Here’s how to turn your PS5 off the right way and reset it:

  1. Go to the PS5 control center menu by pressing the PlayStation logo on your controller.
  2. Scroll down to find the power button on the right-hand side of the menu.
  1. Select the power button, and you’ll get three options: Enter Rest Mode, Turn Off PS5, and Restart PS5.
  2. Select Turn Off PS5, the second option. This will close all the games and apps and shut down the PS5 system.
  1. Once the console is turned off (when the lights on it go off), unplug the power cable. Wait for three minutes before plugging it in again.
  2. To turn the PS5 back on, press the PS logo button on the controller.

Try playing a game now and see if it’s lagging.

2. Check All the Cables and Connectors

If you’re a PlayStation VR gamer, a reason why your PS5 might be lagging is the poor connection between the PS5 and the VR device. A data-sensitive device needs a good connection to work. Loose networking cables or a bad HDMI port can cause lag. So go ahead, and check all the connections between the console and its connected devices. Ensure all cables are plugged in properly and the HDMI port works. You can try using a different cable or port.

3. Check the Power Source

PS5 can lag or even freeze if it has an unstable power source. That’s why you’ll have to check everything related to the power connection, from the cable to the wall socket.

The power cable can be damaged, which may also cause your console to experience power surges. All defective power supply equipment must be changed.

4. Check the Internet Connection

A slow internet connection and DNS settings problems are the top reasons for lag. You need a good internet connection for the PS5 to run smoothly and give you the best possible online gaming experience. Test the internet connection with your PS5 console.

  1. Start your PS5 and go to the Settings menu. You’ll find a gear icon next to your profile image in the upper right corner of the screen.
  1. Select Network.
  1. Go to Test Internet Connection.
  1. Let the test finish and look at the results. They should give you an insight if something is wrong.

You can also use your PC or a laptop to test your network’s download speeds through a website like Speedtest.

Finally, you can restart your router or modem to fix the internet issues. Remember that wireless connections are prone to causing lag because they can get crowded. Instead of WiFi, try connecting with an ethernet cable.

5. Check the Air Vents

Your console could start performing poorly due to overheating. Constant lag might be one of the signs that this is the case. If your console is getting too hot, you should check the air vents. Air needs to circulate freely around your PS5 console. Don’t block the air vents by placing the console in a tight space or keeping different objects around it.

You should also regularly clean the air vents of dust and other particles that might accumulate on them. Dust can gather enough to clog the ventilation system and cause the device to overheat.

6. Check the Internal Storage Drive

If the internal storage drive is full or nearly full, your PS5 might lag. This happens because the cache files have nowhere to be stored. They’ll end up in a queue, waiting to be saved on your device, and the result will be a system malfunction that manifests as lag or a freeze.

That’s why you should occasionally ensure enough room on your PS5 internal storage drive. You should always have at least 10GB of free space. This’ll ensure the optimal performance of the console.

Here’s how you can free up some space on the internal storage device:

  1. Go to Settings, the gear icon at the top right of the home screen.
  2. Select Storage.
  1. You can choose from Games and Apps, Media Gallery, Saved Data, and Other. Select Games and Apps, as that’s what’s taking up the bulk of the storage. Here you’ll be able to delete games you are no longer playing or don’t think you’ll play any time soon.
  1. On the next screen you can individually select a game to delete by checking the box next to it. You can also select multiple games to delete at once. Select Delete at the bottom right corner, and then the OK button to confirm.
  1. Delete everything you don’t need to keep on the SSD. Check if you have old images and videos you no longer need in the Media Gallery. These can easily clutter the internal storage device.

7. Update All PS5 Applications and Software

Always keep your software updated to the latest version. Follow these steps to update the PS5 applications:

  1. Find the app you want to update on the PS5 home screen and highlight it.
  2. Press the Options button on the controller.
  3. Select Check for Updates.
  4. Follow the instructions to download and install available updates for the selected app.
  5. Repeat for all the apps that need updating.
  6. Reboot the PS5 console.

Typically system updates are automatic. But if you have set it to manual, here’s how to do it:

  1. Go to Settings and select System.
  1. Select System Software and go to System Software Update and Settings.
  1. Select Update System Software to start the process.
  1. Select the Update button.
  1. Wait for the process to finish. The console will reset automatically.

If you experience a failed download, restart your console and try again. If you experience multiple failed downloads, contact Sony PlayStation support.

8. Rebuild the Database

The database doesn’t only get clogged over time, but it also gets corrupted. This makes it inefficient and slow, and it can cause lag and screen freeze. If that happens to your PS5, you must rebuild the database.

Note that this process can take a long time, so be patient while your console scans the drive and creates a new database.

Follow these steps to rebuild the PS5 database:

  1. Turn off the PS5 console by pressing the power button.
  2. When the console is completely off, press the power button again and hold.
  3. Release it only after you hear the second beep. You’ll hear the first beep when you press the button and the second a few seconds later.
  4. Connect the controller with the USB cable and press the PlayStation logo button.
  5. You entered the PS5 Safe Mode. Select Rebuild Database from the offered options, and wait for the process to complete.

9. Change Game Settings

If you’re experiencing lag only in certain games, the problem might be in the game itself and not with your PS5 console or network. Changing the in-game settings typically solves this issue. It’s important to play power-intensive games in the performance mode.

If you’re experiencing frame rate issues, select the higher FPS mode from the game’s settings. This should reduce the lag, although your graphics might look worse.

10. Factory Reset Your PS5

If nothing works, your only option might be to factory reset your PS5 console. Note that this is the last resort. Factory reset deletes everything on your device, and it’ll install a fresh copy of the PS5 software. This might be the only option if your PS5 lags due to system errors.

To perform a factory reset:

  1. Press the power button on the console to turn it off completely.
  2. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, until a second beep.
  3. Connect the controller with the USB cable and press the PlayStation logo button.
  4. You’ll enter safe mode. Select the Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) option. It’s the last on the list.

Wait for the process to be finished, and only then try playing your favorite game to see if you still experience lag issues.

While fixing latency issues can sometimes be a challenge on the PS5, with a few smart troubleshooting steps like these, you’ll be able to enjoy a new online gaming session in no time.

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Apple Music vs. YouTube Music: Which Is Better? https://www.online-tech-tips.com/fun-stuff/apple-music-vs-youtube-music-which-is-better/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/fun-stuff/apple-music-vs-youtube-music-which-is-better/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Sat, 24 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=96593

YouTube Music has been the successor of Google Play Music since 2017. Like Apple Music and Spotify, it became one of the most popular music streaming services. Although it’s easy […]]]>
YouTube Music has been the successor of Google Play Music since 2017. Like Apple Music and Spotify, it became one of the most popular music streaming services. Although it’s easy to say that Apple Music has better audio quality, YouTube Music has an extensive library. In fact, YouTube Music will allow you to listen to some unofficial releases you won’t find on any other streaming app.

Deciding between Apple Music and YouTube Music is not an easy task. You’ll have to ask yourself what you need and want from music streaming services. To help you decide, this article compares the Apple and YouTube Music features such as subscription plans and prices, content and audio streaming quality, or ease of use. Also, check out our Spotify vs. Apple Music comparison to help you make the best decision.

Overview of Apple Music

In 2015 Apple launched its streaming service called Apple Music. It replaced the famous iTunes and introduced new features to the streaming scene. Apple Music is available in 168 countries and has a library with over 100 million songs. With Apple Music, you can tailor your playlists, watch music videos, and listen to live radio stations.

Unfortunately, this streaming service doesn’t offer podcasts and audiobooks to its users. That’s because Apple has a separate Apple Podcast and Apple Books service. Perhaps in the future, Apple will consider merging the three services and have it all in one place.

Overview of YouTube Music

YouTube, a Google subsidiary, owns YouTube Music. This service started as Music Key in 2014, but it wasn’t until 2018 that it underwent a revamp and grew in popularity. By 2020 it completely replaced Google Play Music.

YouTube Music is the fourth most popular streaming app, with 80 million paid subscribers and over 2.6 billion users worldwide. This service is available in 101 countries, and it boasts a library of 70 million official songs. With unofficial tracks, that number easily climbs to 100 million.

Like Apple Music, YouTube Music doesn’t offer audiobooks or podcasts. Google has a separate service called Google Podcasts, while audiobooks are available on Google Play.

Price

Price can play a big role when deciding which streaming service to use. However, the difference between Apple Music and YouTube Music isn’t a deciding factor because the cost differences are minor. Look at the quick breakdown in the table below:

Free Plan Individual Premium Family Plan Student Plan Additional Plans
Apple Music No $10.99 per month $16.99 per month for up to 6 people $5.99 per month Voice $4.99 per month
YouTube Music Yes $9.99 per month
$99.99 per year
$14.99 per month for up to 5 people $4.99 per month N/A

Both Apple Music and YouTube Music subscriptions automatically renew each month. But you can cancel them whenever you want, and your subscription will stop at the end of the billing cycle.

Additionally, both music streaming services offer a free three-month trial period. But only YouTube Music has a completely free subscription plan that includes ads. This might be the best option if you don’t have a budget for a music streaming service and can endure through commercials, although they are skippable after a few seconds. For an ad-free experience, you’ll have to pay for one of the upper-tier subscription plans.

If you insist on getting Apple Music, but you are on a tight budget, Voice is the cheapest option. But be warned, it’s available only for compatible Siri-enabled devices and only in certain countries.

Audio Quality

For most users, audio quality is the most crucial aspect when streaming audio. Apple Music wins here. However, the regular listener might not notice the difference. Only professionals and audiophiles might deem YouTube Music unsatisfying.

In 2021 Apple Music made Spatial Audio and Lossless Audio available to all their subscribers at no additional cost. These two features make Apple’s streaming platform superior, especially with Dolby Atmos. Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC) ensures that all the original audio file details are preserved. That means you’ll hear the songs just as the artists recorded them and intended you to listen.

Finally, Apple Music streams ACC files at 256 kbps, while the current YouTube Music sound quality is 128 kbps. However, YouTube allows you to select a lower streaming bitrate if you’re concerned about mobile data usage. That said, Apple Music overall wins in the audio quality department.

UI Design

Both Apple Music and YouTube Music have pretty straightforward interfaces. But they are very different from each other.

Apple Music UI

Apple Music has a gray interface with different tabs that run along the top of the screen (or bottom on the mobile app). You can easily navigate to Library, For You, Browser, and Radio from here. It’s straightforward and minimalistic, so it’s highly user-friendly.

YouTube Music UI

As simple as Apple Music but with an even more minimalistic design, the YouTube Music UI is clean and neat. Different tabs will allow you access to the YouTube Music catalog, your personal music library, recently played content, and listening recommendations.

Mobile, Desktop, and Web Apps

Apple Music and YouTube Music mobile apps are available for iOS and Android. But Apple Music comes preinstalled on all iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. No matter which one you go for, you’ll have access to a fullscreen media player that’ll display all the album and artist info while listening. You can add new songs to your playlists, queue songs, or share music directly from the mobile app.

Note: The YouTube Music mobile app won’t allow you to listen to the music uninterrupted if you switch the app or lock your screen if you run a free tier. This feature is available only for Premium subscribers.

Apple Music in iTunes for PC and Mac is similar to its mobile app, although it has a less modern design. However, it has the Smart Playlist feature, which is unavailable in the mobile app. This feature will automatically create a personalized playlist based on your favorite genre, liked or disliked tracks, or the date you added them to iCloud. With Smart Playlist, you won’t have to add songs to your playlist so often manually.

Apple doesn’t have a native app for web browsers, while YouTube Music doesn’t have an official desktop app. But you can use various workarounds and listen to your favorite music streaming service on whatever device. You can use Musish to listen to Apple Music on the web. Similarly, use a web browser to install YouTube Music on your desktop as a progressive web app (PWA).

Music Library and Offline Listening

You can expect access to vast libraries if you pay for an Apple or YouTube Music subscription. However, if you like to listen to unofficially released music, song covers, and user-generated remixes, YouTube Music is the place to go. It’ll allow you to explore new music aside from what’s produced by the major record labels.

As for offline listening, Google puts no limit on how many tracks you can download from YouTube Music. You are free to put them on any of your devices and listen even if you don’t have access to the internet. On the other hand, Apple Music allows the download of 100,000 songs to your library. You can then sync the iCloud Music Library feature across devices. Use your Apple ID to listen to the downloaded tracks anywhere and anytime.

The Music Discovery Feature

When you sign up for the service, Apple Music will ask you to select your favorite artists. This is how the app gets a sense of your taste. It then uses a special algorithm to update the For You section with new releases or music suggestions.

YouTube Music doesn’t have such a straightforward discovery feature. However, in time, you’ll notice your home section being populated with similar music that you tend to listen to most often. This is done based on your likes and dislikes of particular songs. If you sync your existing playlist to your library, Google’s algorithm will learn your preferences and suggest tracks you might like.

Cross-Platform Availability

Apple Music works best on Apple devices. You can enjoy it on iOS, MacOS, iPadOS devices, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and HomePod. In addition, you can also pair the Apple Music app with Amazon Echo, Google Home, and Sonos devices.

As for YouTube Music users, you can use Google’s smart speaker lineup or Amazon Echo to listen to the tunes through the app. You can use any device that has access to YouTube. However, you’ll need to use the Alexa app to change the default music player for some of them.

Listening in the Car

Apple has its own CarPlay system that supports Apple Music and Google Play Music. If your car doesn’t have CarPlay, you can use Bluetooth to play any of these streaming services through the car’s entertainment system. You can also opt for a cable connection, a built-in app, or the Android Auto app to play Apple Music or YouTube Music via your phone.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, choosing which streaming service to use comes down to personal preference. Apple Music and YouTube Music offer unique features, benefits, and drawbacks. If you’re a devoted Apple fan and already a proud owner of the Apple ecosystem, then Apple Music is the right choice for you. You’ll have an incredible user experience, a fantastic music library, and an app with some neat features.

But if you own Android devices and are already used to the YouTube and Google apps, you’ll feel right at home with YouTube Music. In addition, YouTube Music is a slightly cheaper service with a great free plan available to everyone. So if you can’t afford to pay for yet another streaming service, YouTube Music is an obvious choice.

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96 Most Useful GIMP Keyboard Shortcuts https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/96-most-useful-gimp-keyboard-shortcuts/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/96-most-useful-gimp-keyboard-shortcuts/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Wed, 21 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=96536

Do you ever wish your editing process was faster or more efficient? If so, then familiarizing yourself with some of the basic GIMP keyboard shortcuts will help you save time […]]]>
Do you ever wish your editing process was faster or more efficient? If so, then familiarizing yourself with some of the basic GIMP keyboard shortcuts will help you save time and make your workflow smoother.

From adjusting layers and image transformations to navigating menus and executing commands, GIMP’s shortcut selection gives users plenty of options for speeding up their editing tasks. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most useful shortcuts available in GIMP, along with tips on how best to use them.

Also, if you want to give yourself an even bigger productivity boost, make sure to check our favorite Excel keyboard shortcuts and Google Docks keyboard shortcuts. You waste too much time clicking on everything.

GIMP Tool Keyboard Shortcuts

GIMP tools are similar to the ones in Photoshop.

In fact, if you ever worked in any image editing app, you’ll easily recognize most of them. They’ll help you select, and interact with the image and its elements.

Action Windows & Linux macOS
Move Tool M M
Rectangle selection tool R R
Ellipse selection tool E E
Free select tool F F
Scissors select tool I I
Fuzzy select tool U U
Eraser tool Shift + E Shift + E
Select by Color Shift + O Shift + O
Crop tool Shift + C Shift + C
Bucket fill Shift + B Shift + B
Gradient G G
Paintbrush P P
Pencil N N
Airbrush A A
Ink K K
MyPaint Brush Y Y
Clone C C
Heal H H
Paths B B
Smudge S S
Text T T
Color Picker O O


Note: some of the tools are grouped, so you won’t see them all in the tool menu. For example, Pencil, Airbrush, Ink, and MyPainBrush are grouped under Paintbrush. The same goes for the Ellipse selection tool; you can find it grouped with the Rectangular selection tool.

GIMP Additional Selection Keyboard Shortcuts

Shortcuts listed here will help you select in unique ways, as well as interact with different selections. We chose the most common actions, and they’re self-explanatory.

Action Windows & Linux macOS
Select All CTRL + A Command + A
Toggle selections CTRL + T Command + T
Deselect all Shift + CTRL + A Shift + Command + A
Invert selection CTRL + I Command + I
Float selection Shift + CTRL + L Shift + Command + L
Select from Path Shift + V Shift + V

GIMP Editing Keyboard Shortcuts

When it comes to editing your document or file, use these keyboard shortcuts to make your workflow faster.

Action Windows & Linux macOS
Crop and Resize Shift + C Shift + C
Rotate Shift + R Shift + R
Scale Shift + T Shift + T
Shear Shift + S Shift + S
Perspective Shift + P Shift + P
Flip Shift + F Shift + F
Blend L L
Dodge or Burn Shift + D Shift + D
Swap Colors X X
Default Colors D D
Undo previous action CTRL + Z Command + Z
Redo last action CTRL + Y Command + Y
Copy CTRL + C Command + C
Cut CTRL + X Command + X
Paste CTRL + V Command + V
Paste in place CTRL + Alt + V Command + Option + V
Increase Brush Size ] ]
Decrease Brush Size [ [
Show or Hide Selection CTRL + T Command + T


Note: The Paste in Place action allows you to paste the content of your clipboard into a new file, in the exact same location where it was positioned in the original file.

GIMP File Keyboard Shortcuts

The keyboard shortcuts listed in this section will help you open and interact with different files and images in GIMP.

Action Windows & Linux macOS
Open new file CTRL + N Command + N
Open Image CTRL + O Command + O
Open Image as new layer CTRL + Alt + O Command+ Option + O
Open recent image 01 CTRL + 1 Command + 1
Open recent image 02 CTRL + 2 Command + 2
Open recent image 03 CTRL + 3 Command + 3
Create a new image from clipboard Shift + CTRL + V Shift + Command + V
Save with a new name Shift + CTRL + S Shift + Command + S
Close All Files Shift + CTRL + W Shift + Command + W
Quit GIMP CTRL + Q Command + Q


Note: Opening a recent image past 03 is the same command, just replace the number with the corresponding one. CTRL(Command) + 4,5,6, and so on.

GIMP View and Action Keyboard Shortcuts

The keyboard shortcuts listed here will help you interact with GIMP. Browse its menus easily, toggle guides, or rulers, and fill the background with a color.

Action Windows & Linux macOS
Main Menu F10 F10
Drop-down menu Shift + F10 Shift + F10
Full Screen F11 F11
Toggle quickmask Shift + Q Shift + Q
Close document window CTRL + W Command + W
Shrink wrap CTRL + E Command + E
Fit image in the document window Shift + CTRL + E Shift + Command + E
Toggle rulers Shift + CTRL + R Shift + Command + R
Toggle guides Shift + CTRL + T Shift + Command + T
Clear selection CTRL + K Command + K
Fill with Foreground Color CTRL + , Command + ,
Fill with background color CTRL + . Command + .
Fill with pattern CTRL + : Command + :

GIMP Dialogs Keyboard Shortcuts

These shortcuts will allow you to manipulate Dialogs in GIMP. Dialogs are moving windows that contain tool options or are dedicated to a specific task. Open the dialogs to see and manipulate all their options without effort.

Action Windows & Linux macOS
Layers CTRL + L Command + L
Brushes Shift + CTRL + B Shift + Command + B
Patterns Shift + CTRL + P Shift + Command + P
Tool Options Shift + CTRL + T Shift + Command + T
Palettes CTRL + P Command + P
Info Shift + CTRL + I Shift + Command + I
Navigation Shift + CTRL + N Shift + Command + N
Close the current window Alt + F4 Option + F4
Go to next widget Tab Tab
Go to previous widget Shift + Tab Shift + Tab
Set new value Enter Option
Activate current button on the list Space bar Space bar
Toggle between tabs CTRL + Alt + Page up Command + Option + Page up
Open location Shift + L Shift + L
Down folder Alt + Down arrow Option + Down arrow
Up folder Alt + Up arrow Option + Up arrow
Home folder Alt + Home key Option + Home key
Close current dialog Esc Esc

GIMP Layers Keyboard Shortcuts

Manipulating layers is crucial for any image editing tool. Doing it fast means you’ll be done with your task in no time. What better way to quickly achieve the desired action than to use keyboard shortcuts? Use the shortcuts listed in this table to manipulate layers easily and quickly.

Action Windows & Linux macOS
New layer Shift + CTRL + N Shift + Command + N
Duplicate selected layer Shift + CTRL + D Shift + Command + D
Anchor layer CTRL + H Command + H
Select the layer above Page up Page up
Select the layer below Page down Page down
Select the first layer Home key Home key
Select the last layer End key End key
Merge all visible layers CTRL + M Command + M

How to Access the Full List of GIMP Keyboard Shortcuts

This article lists only the most common and useful keyboard shortcuts for GIMP. But every GIMP user has their preferred and unique list of shortcuts and in time you’ll create one too. You’ll add to these lists the tools and functions you use the most, or perhaps subtract the shortcuts you don’t use so often. Here’s how you can find the complete list of shortcuts within the GIMP application.

  1. Open GIMP on your PC or Mac.
  2. Go to the Edit menu (or the GIMP Application menu on Mac).
  1. Select Keyboard Shortcuts.
  1. GIMP will display a whole list of different commands and shortcuts for you to enable. You can also create customized shortcuts in this window.

How to Create Customized Keyboard Shortcuts

Not all GIMP commands have dedicated keyboard shortcuts. After all, there are thousands of commands, and it is up to you to select the most useful ones and assign shortcuts if they don’t have them already. Here’s how you can do it in GIMP:

  1. Open GIMP on a PC or Mac.
  2. Go to the Edit menu (or the GIMP Application menu on Mac).
  3. Select Keyboard Shortcuts.
  4. Use the search field to find the command you are looking for.
  1. If no shortcut is assigned to that particular command, it’ll say Disabled next to it.
  2. Click anywhere on the command’s entry to make your own shortcut. You’ll see Disabled replaced by New accelerator…
  1. Press the desired keyboard shortcut to assign it to this command. Press backspace to delete your shortcut if you made a mistake or changed your mind.
  2. If the keyboard shortcut you chose is already assigned to another command, GIMP will display a pop-up window asking you to confirm you want to overwrite the shortcut.
  3. Select Reassign Shortcut to confirm.

GIMP keyboard shortcuts are an incredibly useful tool when it comes to editing images. With just a few keystrokes, you can create stunning artwork in no time at all. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just getting started with GIMP, these shortcuts can make your workflow much smoother and more efficient.

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120 Most Useful Adobe Illustrator Keyboard Shortcuts https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/120-most-useful-adobe-illustrator-keyboard-shortcuts/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/120-most-useful-adobe-illustrator-keyboard-shortcuts/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Tue, 20 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=96256

Using Adobe Illustrator keyboard shortcuts will help you create art faster and focus more time on the creativity side. Use them regularly, and you won’t have to go back and […]]]>
Using Adobe Illustrator keyboard shortcuts will help you create art faster and focus more time on the creativity side. Use them regularly, and you won’t have to go back and forth to select, find the right tool, or make new shapes. This’ll eliminate the need to click several times to achieve the desired action.

As you look over the tools menu, you’ll notice that they already have a keyboard shortcut in parenthesis right next to the name of each individual tool. For example, you’ll notice a (P) next to the pen tool. So go ahead and press P on your keyboard, and you won’t have to go to the tools menu and manually select the Pen.

But Adobe Illustrator has much more shortcuts than just tools. You can use them to select items, copy them, group items, and so on. This article lists the ones mostly used by professionals and beginners alike. So use our keyboard shortcut tables for your cheat sheets. Also, make sure to check our list with the best GIMP keyboard shortcuts for maximum productivity.

Most Popular Shortcuts

These keyboard shortcuts will help you interact with Adobe Illustrator and perform various tasks quickly. They are most popular because they are actions that need to be repeated frequently, no matter what you are working on.

Action Windows macOS
Undo CTRL + Z Command + Z
Redo Shift + CTRL + Z Shift + Command + Z
Copy CTRL + C Command + C
Cut CTRL + X Command + X
Paste CTRL + V Command + V
Paste in front CTRL + F Command + F
Paste at the back CTRL + B Command + B
Paste in Place Shift + CTRL + V Shift + Command + V
Paste on all open artboards Alt + Shift + CTRL + V Option + Shift + Command + V
Check Spelling CTRL + I Command + I
Open Color Settings Dialog Box Shift + CTRL + K Shift + Command + K
Open General Preference Dialog Box CTRL + K Command + K
Access Help Menu F1 F1
Quit Illustrator App CTRL + Q Command + Q

Documents Related Shortcuts

The keyboard shortcuts listed in the next table will help you set up your document and work with it in various ways. Use them to quickly create new documents or to save existing ones. You can even use a shortcut to print out your work without the hassle of going through the different menus.

Action Windows macOS
Create a New Document CTRL + N Command + N
Create a New Document from a Template Shift + CTRL + N Shift + Command + N
Create a Document without the dialog box Alt + CTRL + N Option + Command + N
Open a Document CTRL + O Command + O
Input a File in a Document Shift + CTRL + P Shift + Command + P
Open File Information Dialog Box Alt + Shift + CTRL + I Option + Shift + Command+ I
Open the Document Setup Dialog Box Alt + CTRL + P Option + Command + P
Browse in Adobe Bridge Alt+ Ctrl + O Option + Command + O
Close the Document Window CTRL + W Command + W
Save all changes made in Document CTRL + S Command + S
Save a copy of the document Alt + CTRL + S Option + Command + S
Open the Save for Web Dialog Box Alt + Shift + CTRL + S Option + Shift + Command + S
Package the Document Alt + Shift + CTRL + P Option + Shift + Command + P
Print the Document CTRL + P Command + P

Adobe Illustrator Tool Shortcuts

Adobe Illustrator is filled with useful tools that you’ll use regularly in your projects. As mentioned, many tools have already written shortcuts next to their name, but some are grouped together, and you’d have to navigate around the toolbox a lot just to find them. The best would be to learn the ones you use the most by heart. That way, you won’t have to spend time searching through the tools menu each time you need to switch a tool.

Action Windows macOS
Artboard Tool Shift + o Shift + O
Selection Tool V V
Direct Selection Tool A A
Magic Wand Tool Y Y
Lasso Tool Q Q
Pen Tool P P
Type (Text) Tool T T
Rectangle Tool M M
Ellipse Tool L L
Pencil Tool N N
Paintbrush Tool B B
Rotate Tool R R
Reflect Tool O O
Scale Tool S S
Free Transform Tool E E
Column Graph Tool J J
Mesh Tool U U
Gradient Tool G G
Eyedropper Tool I I
Blend Tool W W
Live Paint Bucket Tool K K
Scissors Tool C C
Hand Tool H H
Zoom Tool Z Z
Curvature Tool Shift + ~ Shift + ~
Blob Brush Tool Shift + B Shift + B
Add Anchor Point + +
Remove Anchor Point
Switch to Anchor Point Tool Shift + C Shift + C
Touch Type Tool Shift + T Shift + T
Shaper Tool Shift + N Shift + N
Warp Tool Shift + R Shift + R
Width Tool Shift + W Shift + W
Shape Builder Tool Shift + M Shift + M
Perspective Grid Shift + P Shift + P
Perspective Selection Shift + V Shift + V
Symbol Sprayer Shift + S Shift + S
Paint Selection Tool Shift + L Shift + L
Slice Tool Shift + K Shift + K
Eraser Tool Shift + E Shift + E
Toggle between Smooth and Blob Brush Tool Press Alt Press Option

View and Navigation Shortcuts

The shortcuts described in the next table will help you view your document and navigate any section of it quickly.

Action Windows macOS
Toggle between Screen Modes F F
Magnify 100% CTRL + 1 Command + 1
Hide Bounding Box Shift + CTRL + B Shift + Command + B
Hide Unselected objects CTRL + Alt + Shift + 3 Command + Option + Shift + 3
Show Document Template CTRL + H Command + H
Show or Hide Artboards CTRL + Shift + H Command + Shift + H
Show or Hide Artboard Rulers CTRL + R Command + Option + R
View All Artboards in Window CTRL + Alt + 0 Command + Option + 0
Exit Artboard Tool Mode Esc Esc
Navigate to next document CTRL + F6 Command + F6
Navigate to Previous Document CTRL + Shift + F6 Command + Shift + F6
Exit Full Screen Mode Esc Esc
Toggle Between Online and GPU Preview CTRL + Y Command + Y
Toggle Between GPU and CPU Preview CTRL + E Command + E
Zoom in CTRL + = Command + =
Zoom Out CTRL + – Command + –
Hide Guides CTRL + ; Command + ;
Lock Guides Alt + CTRL + ; Option + Command + ;
Show Grid CTRL + ‘ Command + ‘

Work With Selections

Working with selections can be tiresome. It’s very nuanced work, and you need tons of practice to perfect it. But these shortcuts might help you along with your workflow.

Action Windows macOS
Select Artwork in active artboard CTRL + Alt + A Command + Option + A
Select All CTRL + A Command + A
Deselect Shift + CTRL + A Shift + Command + A
Reselect Ctrl + 6 Command + 6
Group the selections CTRL +G Command + G
Ungroup selections Shift + CTRL + G Shift + Command + G
Lock selected objects CTRL + 2 Command + 2
Unlock selection Alt + CTRL + 2 Option + Command +2
Hide selected objects CTRL + 3 Command + 3
Show all selections Alt + CTRL + 3 Option + Command + 3
Bring selected object forward CTRL + ] Command + ]
Move selection to the front Shift + CTRL + ] Shift + Command + ]
Send Selected objects to the Back CTRL + [ Command + [
Move selection to the Back Shift + CTRL + [ Shift + Command + [

Work with Text

Text can be a huge part of your Adobe Illustrator projects. Here are some keyboard shortcuts that’ll help you manipulate the text faster.

Action Windows macOS
Open Character Panel CTRL + T Command + T
Open Paragraph Panel Alt + CTRL + T Option + Command + T
Align paragraph left, right, or center CTRL + Shift + L,R, or C Command + Shift + L,R, or C
Increase font size Alt + CTRL + . Option + Command + .
Decrease font size Alt + CTRL + , Option + Command + ,
Increase font size by step Alt + up arrow + CTRL + . Option + up arrow + CTRL + .
Decrease font size by step Alt + up arrow + CTRL + , Option + up arrow + CTRL + ,
Highlight Kerning CTRL + Alt + K Command + Option + K
Track Kerning Alt + CTRL + K Option + CTRL + K
Reset Kerning tracking CTRL + Alt + Q Command + Option + Q
Insert Bullets Alt + 8 Option + 8
Insert Copyright symbol Alt + G Option + G
Justify Text Left CTRL + Shift + J Command + Shift + J
Justify all lines Shift + CTRL + F Shift + Command + F
Superscript Shift + CTRL + = Shift + Command + =
Subscript Alt + Shift + CTRL + = Option + Shift + Command + =
Insert Hyphen Shift + CTRL + – Shift + Command + –
Display Hidden Characters Alt + CTRL + I Option + Command + I

With Adobe Illustrator’s vast array of helpful keyboard shortcuts, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be flying through your design projects faster and with greater precision. Whether you’re a first-time user or an experienced professional graphic designer, taking advantage of this more efficient way to work can save both time and frustration. Learning these shortcuts may take some time and practice but with a bit of dedication, that time will be well spent! Don’t forget to come back and check out our other posts if you’re looking for even more Adobe software tips and tricks.

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Can’t Post on Instagram? Try These 10 Fixes https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/cant-post-on-instagram-try-these-10-fixes/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/computer-tips/cant-post-on-instagram-try-these-10-fixes/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Sat, 17 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=96457

If you’ve received one of the Instagram error messages such as “Try again later” or “Action blocked”, you can’t really tell what went wrong and why Instagram won’t let you […]]]>
If you’ve received one of the Instagram error messages such as “Try again later” or “Action blocked”, you can’t really tell what went wrong and why Instagram won’t let you post. Whether it’s a shared image that won’t load or an unresponsive post button, troubleshooting this particular issue can be difficult and time-consuming. So let’s take an in-depth look at 10 potential fixes for those who can’t post on Instagram for any reason.

woman holds Apple iPhone with Instagram app on the screen

Most Common Reasons Why You Can’t Post on Instagram

Your internet connection plays the most important role when it comes to uploading posts on Instagram. A poor internet connection is the number one reason why users are unable to post their photos or stories. But that’s not the only reason. Here’s what can cause the issue:

  • Your post is against Instagram’s community guidelines.
  • Your Instagram account is disabled, banned, or temporarily blocked.
  • Your Instagram app is outdated.
  • The Instagram cache is full.
  • You are posting too much from a new account.
  • The file you are trying to post is too big.
  • Data saver is activated on your phone.
  • Battery saving mode is active on your device.
  • You are using incompatible third-party apps to post on Instagram.
  • You are using a VPN or a Proxy.
  • Instagram is down.

Now let’s see what you can do if you can’t post on Instagram.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

A stable connection is a must if you want to post photos and videos, especially if they are of high quality.

If you suspect your network connection might be the reason why you can’t post on Instagram, try resetting your Wi-Fi router. Especially if you never reset it before. Prolonged use of routers sometimes leads to delayed response and loss of connection. Switch off the router by pressing the power button. Wait at least five seconds before you turn it on again. If you can post on Instagram after resetting your router, you’ll know that was the issue.

If you’re using mobile data to post on Instagram, you can use Flight Mode or Airplane Mode to reset the network connection. Go to your device’s notification tray and turn on the Airplane mode. After a few seconds, turn it off. Your Mobile Data should automatically turn on, but if it doesn’t simply tap it in the menu.

2. Restart Your Device

Smartphones are prone to bugging out if they work continuously without restart. A simple restart can fix most of the issues you might experience with it. Among them is the Can’t Post on Instagram issue.

Restarting your phone is simple. However, it’ll depend on the model you are using. Whether it’s an Android phone or an iPhone, most modern models are designed to restart by pressing and holding the power button. Or it could be a combination of pressing a side button and a volume-down button.

In any case, you’ll be given several options on your screen. Select Restart and your smartphone will reboot.

3. Clear Your Instagram Cache

Whenever you’re using Instagram, its cache memory is building up in the background. Cache files are stored on your phone to help it quickly launch and display the app the next time you use it. But a full cache folder can influence how the app works. It also may contain corrupted files that’ll prevent you from posting on Instagram.

You should occasionally clear your Instagram cache, no matter what device you’re using:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Apps.
  1. Find Instagram and select it.
  1. Go to Storage.
  1. Tap Clear Cache at the bottom-right corner of the screen.

And that’s it, you managed to clear the cache. Check if you can post on Instagram after this.

4. Reduce the Size of a Photo or a Video

If you’re trying to post a photo or a video for your Instagram story and it’s too big, Instagram simply won’t let you post it. That’s because Instagram has some file size limitations. It’s how the app preserves its own bandwidth and storage.

Photos made by phone cameras are generally small and you shouldn’t have problems posting them. But you should still pay attention to recommended Instagram photo sizes, measured in pixels:

  • Square photos: 1080px x 1080px, 1:1 aspect ratio.
  • Landscape-oriented photo: 1080px x 566px, 1.91:1 aspect ratio.
  • Vertical image: 1080px x 1350px, 4:5 aspect ratio.

Videos are a bit more problematic. You can’t post high-resolution videos, and they can’t have a duration of more than 60 seconds. If you simply must share a video that’s longer use the IGTV app. It’s an Insta app dedicated to such videos. Here are recommended Instagram video sizes and resolutions:

  • The aspect ratio should be 1.91:1. Anything more than that won’t be posted. Horizontally recorded videos should be 16:9.
  • The size of a video shouldn’t exceed 4GB. Make sure you have a good internet connection before uploading such large files; otherwise, the upload could take some time.
  • Don’t exceed the recommended video duration of 60 seconds.

5. Update the Instagram App

You could be using an old version of the Instagram app without even realizing it. This might be the reason why it behaves strangely and won’t let you post anything. Updates bring new features, but they also clear the app of any known bugs.

Go to the Play Store or the App Store and see if there’s an Update option. Tap it and let your phone update the app. Once you have the latest version of Instagram, try posting again and see if this fixed your issue.

6. Reinstall the Instagram App

If updating the Instagram app didn’t resolve the problem and you still can’t post, you should try reinstalling it. To do that, you’ll first need to remove it from your phone. How you’ll do it, depends on the model of your device.

Generally, you can tap and hold the app on your screen, and wait until the uninstall option appears. Note that selecting Remove instead of Uninstall will just remove it from your home screen.

Another way to uninstall it is to go to Settings, select Apps, tap Instagram, and tap Uninstall there.

Before reinstalling the Instagram app, you should reset your phone. Follow the steps described in the Restart Your Device section of this article.

To Install the IG app again head to the App Store or Play Store, and search for Instagram. Tap Install.

If this doesn’t solve the issue, continue with the next troubleshooting step.

7. Change Instagram Data Settings

Many users turn on Data Saver on Instagram when they are using Mobile Data to access the internet from their mobile devices. That might be what prevents you from posting photos and videos on Instagram. Data Saver limits downloads and uploads when you are using Mobile Data. Try to turn it off:

  1. Go to Instagram Settings and Privacy by tapping the three-line menu at the top right corner of your Instagram profile page.
  1. Tap Data usage and media quality. This will take you to the Cellular Data Settings page.
  1. Turn Off the Data Saver.

8. Cross-Check the Permissions

When you first run Instagram, it’ll ask you to give it certain permissions. It’s possible that you somehow omitted this step, and Instagram doesn’t have these permissions. Without them, you can’t post photos or videos.

To check if this is the case:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Apps.
  3. Select Instagram.
  4. Tap Permissions.
  1. You’ll have to first tap Camera and make sure that the option Allow only while using the app is checked.
  1. Go back and select Photos and Videos, and make sure the Allow box is checked.

9. Check if the Instagram Server is Down

The Instagram server rarely goes down, but it can happen. Server security updates, for example, require its restart, which means it’ll be down for some time. The server can also get overloaded or need maintenance, in which case it’ll be down.

You can check the status of the Instagram server by going to a website such as downdetector.com and typing Instagram in the search bar. You should get the result really quickly. If there is a server downtime, you’ll be able to see it.

10. Make Sure the Content You Are Posting is Not Against Instagram’s Policy

Instagram has bots in place that’ll automatically check if the content you are trying to post contains sensitive material. If that’s the case, Instagram won’t allow you to post such photos or videos. The most common sensitive material that gets banned is nudity and violence. Make sure you are not trying to post anything that can even resemble these topics.

As you can see, there are several possible solutions to dealing with Instagram post issues. These include logging out and back in, troubleshooting your connection, uninstalling and reinstalling the app, or just waiting it out to see if the issue clears up on its own. So follow each step and let us know in the comments below what fixed your Instagram issue.

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7 Best Machine Translation Software or AI Translators to Try in 2023 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/ai-tools-guides/7-best-machine-translation-software-or-ai-translators-to-try-in-2023/ https://www.online-tech-tips.com/ai-tools-guides/7-best-machine-translation-software-or-ai-translators-to-try-in-2023/#disqus_thread Nicolae Bochis]]> Sat, 10 Jun 2023 10:00:00 +0000 https://www.online-tech-tips.com/?p=96276

Do you need to communicate with others in multiple languages? If so, then using machine translation software or artificial intelligence translators is the way to go. This technology has come […]]]>
Do you need to communicate with others in multiple languages? If so, then using machine translation software or artificial intelligence translators is the way to go. This technology has come a long way since its early days of being rudimentary at best. Now, it’s becoming increasingly accurate and affordable, which is perfect for anyone who wants professional translations without having to pay exorbitant prices.

In this article, we’ll review some of the best machine translation software or AI translators on the market so you can make an informed decision when selecting which one is right for your needs in 2023. Also, make sure to check out our favorite AI assistants and AI image generators.

What Is Machine Translation Software?

Machine translation software is based on artificial intelligence, and it provides automated translations of text from one language to another. This tool quickly became a part of computer-assisted translation (CAT) workflows, speeding up translation work and making it more affordable. This system is now advanced and capable of quickly translating large volumes of text. That’s why machine translation is very popular among large businesses that need bulk translation of various documents and websites.

Although some users still don’t trust the machine translation’s accuracy, these tools significantly improved over time. That’s all thanks to the new technology known as statistical machine translation (SMT), that’s capable of translating text by analyzing human translations. SMT then applies various algorithms to produce the best possible translation.

SMT was a big step forward when it comes to automated translating. However, it’s less efficient than the latest translation technology, neural machine translation (NMT). The NMT attempts to imitate the human brain and uses deep learning to generate a high-quality text translation. The result is not only almost perfect accuracy, but the translation is natural. So you can now get translations that don’t feel like they’re the result of a bot.

Why Use Machine Translation Software?

Whether you are a linguist or a business manager, you’ll find that translating tools can be of great help. Here are some of the most often cited reasons why machine translation is a better option than traditional solutions:

  • Fast results: Without a doubt, machine translation is simply faster than human translation. It can translate text or even images in a matter of seconds, and it’s great when it comes to translating large volumes.
  • Easy to use: Machine translation software is as simple as copying and pasting a text and setting the desired language. The rest is done by the tool itself.
  • Seamless operation: Some machine translation tools can easily be added to the software you typically use for business. Then you can avoid copying and pasting the text. Instead, you can have it integrated into your business, as a tool, and make real-time translations on the spot.
  • Cost-effective: Yes, machine translation software is not always free. But even if you need to pay a monthly subscription or a license, you’ll still save more money than if you go with a human translator.
  • Reliable: The professional tools are vetted by actual translators and native speakers before their release. That is why you can rest assured they are reliable and can produce accurate enough translations.

That said, let’s look at some of the best machine translation tools currently on the market.

1. Google Translate

Price: Free up to 500 000 characters per month / $20 per million characters.

  • 132 available languages
  • API integration
  • Translates PDF, Docs, PPTX, and XLSX file formats
  • Quick
  • Downloadable app or online translation

Google Translate is the most popular machine translator out there. It’s used by millions of people daily for business, academia, or day-to-day translation needs. Because it’s free, anyone can use Google Translate. It’s available online, as a downloadable app for your PC, and as a mobile app.

Google Translate can translate up to 10MB files and almost unlimited amounts of text, for free. You can copy the text, or upload a document. You can even use URLs and translate website content into any of the 132 different languages. And on top of that, you can integrate it into other software and tools.

That said, the accuracy of the translation done by Google Translate is not the best even though it greatly improved over the last few years. This software has trouble understanding certain language nuances and sometimes idioms. However, it’s completely free and simple to use, so if you don’t need the most accurate translation possible, Google Translate is great.

2. DeepL Translate

Price: Free up to 500 000 characters per month / Different subscription tiers available ranging from $6.99 to $45.99 per month.

  • 31 available languages
  • Copy text or upload files
  • API integration
  • CAT tool integration
  • Translates PDF, Docx, and Pptx files

DeepL is an AI translator with a similar interface to Google Translate. However, DeepL supports fewer languages and it seems it targets only North America, Europe, and Japan. It also doesn’t support website translation. However, the accuracy of translations is far greater than with Google Translate and this app is very good at translating the tone and context of a given text. It doesn’t rely on word-by-word translation.

Although free, the paid version brings more file security features, including the SOO feature (Single Sign-On). You can also add more than one user, which is great for businesses. But the price of the paid version is a bit higher than for other options. Fortunately, you can opt for the 30-day trial period before deciding to commit to DeepL Translation.

3. Amazon Translate

Free up to 500 000 characters per two months / $15-$60 per million characters depending on subscription tier.

  • 75 available languages
  • API integration with JSON Code
  • Neural Machine Translation Service
  • Auto language detection
  • Free data storage

Amazon Translate is a tool that produces high-quality translations, and because it uses neural machine translation technology it has amazing accuracy and it’s pretty fast too. You can use it to translate copied text, websites, or web applications. You can even integrate Amazon Translate into your own websites and apps with JSON.

Overall, Amazon Translate is a good machine translation software. It’s professional and it can easily localize content for international users. However, it requires some coding experience if you want to integrate it into your business website. The only downside is you have to use your credit or debit card just to make an account to be able to test the free version.

4. Bing Microsoft Translator

Price: Free up to 2 million characters per month / $10 – $15 per million characters.

  • 111 available languages
  • Translates scanned documents
  • Supports transliteration
  • Auto language detection
  • Custom model hosting for web developers

Bing hasn’t been taken seriously for a long time, but everything changed with AI integration. Microsoft’s Bing Translator is a powerful cloud-based tool that can instantly translate real-time conversations, apps, websites, and more. It’s available on all desktop and smartphone devices, so It’s especially convenient for tourists as it can translate real-time conversations with its voice translation algorithms. Besides, you can also use it to translate menus, or street names, all from your iOS or Android mobile device, even if you don’t have an internet connection.

That said, the Bing Translator is not the most accurate AI translator on the market, but it’s certainly very diverse. Use it to translate scanned documents for business, photos, and links, or use it as a bilingual dictionary for the most common phrases.

5. Systran Translate

Price: $5 – $33 per month depending on subscription tier.

  • Over 50 available languages
  • Translates web pages, documents, PowerPoint slides, and images
  • CAT tools
  • Microsoft Office integration
  • Neural translation models

Systrian is a cloud-based real-time translation tool targeted at businesses who need to seamlessly communicate with international clients and team members. With over 40 years of experience in translation technologies, it’s no wonder cooperative giants like Google, Yahoo, and NASA rely on Systrian technologies.

You can use Systrian to translate your business correspondence, documents, websites, photos, and even ZIP files. The best thing about it is it can translate whole directories of text files at once, almost in no time. This neural-network-based translation app was developed with the assistance of experienced linguists to achieve excellent accuracy, so try it out if you need near-perfect translations.

6. Crowdin

Price: $40 – $450 per month depending on subscription tier. Businesses have custom pricing offers.

  • Built-in translation memory
  • Integrations
  • Translation management
  • Task delegation
  • Translation Workflow Automation

Crowdin is a localization platform that also manages translations and assists companies in localizing different materials. This platform has several different tools that allow task delegation and workflow automation. So it’s much more than just a simple AI translator.

The most fun feature of Crowdin is that team members can work together on translation projects and help each other. They can also communicate via the platform ensuring that the task is completed accurately. Crowdin is the best app out there for professional translators that work online.

7. Smartling

Price: Custom pricing.

  • Task Delegation
  • Glossary
  • API Integration
  • PCI security certified
  • SOC 2 and HIPAA certified

If you’re looking for the most secure machine translation software, Smartling is the answer. The app was developed for enterprises that need to translate confidential documents. However, it’s available to anyone for a price. Besides PCI, SOC 2, and HIPAA certification, it’s ISO17100 compliant.

Smartling is an AI-powered translation management system that you can use to localize apps, websites, or various documents. It can easily be integrated with programs such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or Figma. However, Smartling is not easy to use. It has a steep learning curve, but it gives you the freedom to customize your translation process. That’s what makes it one of the top choices for professionals.

So whether you’re an individual or a professional team seeking out the best machine translation software or AI translators, there are plenty of options and tools out there to try. Remember, choosing a great software or translator is not only important for its accuracy but also its overall quality and its cost-effectiveness, so keep all these things in mind.

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