• the cloud

      How to restore an iCloud backup that’s older than the most recent one (reader mail)

      by ben patterson May 2, 2012 how-tos
      How to restore an iCloud backup that's older than the most recent one (reader mail)

      Elba writes: I have a question. Does iCloud automatically back up to the last date it was backed up or does it give you the option of choosing a backup date? The reason I ask is because I deleted a contact on my iPhone, and was hoping iCloud would allows me to choose a backup [...]

      Read More

      Gmail tip: Replace the icons on buttons with text labels

      by ben patterson April 25, 2012 how-tos
      Gmail tip: Replace the icons on buttons with text labels

      One of the biggest complaints I’ve heard about the much-reviled “new look” of Gmail is that the icon-only buttons along the top of the page are way too confusing.

      Read More

      Want the old Gmail look back? Try the HTML version (updated)

      by ben patterson April 19, 2012 how-tos
      Want the old Gmail look back? Try the HTML version (updated)

      Outraged that Google has pulled the option to revert to the “old” Gmail look? If so, there’s still a way to revert to a version of Gmail that at least resembles the old-fashioned one.

      Read More

      How to change the look of your “new” Gmail inbox

      by ben patterson April 18, 2012 how-tos
      How to change the look of your "new" Gmail inbox

      Hate the look of the “new” Gmail? Bad news: Google has yanked the option to “temporarily” revert to the old Gmail.

      Read More

      Now showing on iCloud: movies

      by ben patterson March 7, 2012 home video
      Now showing on iCloud: movies

      For months, iCloud users have been able to re-download their purchased apps, music, and videos—in other words, everything but movies—from iTunes. With the launch of the newly 1080p-capable Apple TV, though, movies are finally getting the iCloud treatment they deserve.

      Read More

      “Google Play” is new home for Android apps, music, videos, and books

      by ben patterson March 6, 2012 news
      "Google Play" is new home for Android apps, music, videos, and books

      So much for the Android Market. In its place: “Google Play,” Google’s new digital hub for Android apps, games, and media.

      Read More

      5 ways to go back to the old Gmail (updated)

      by ben patterson February 8, 2012 how-tos
      Thumbnail image for 5 ways to go back to the old Gmail (updated)

      Remember the old Gmail—you know, before instant chat, the preview pane, the automatic message sorting, and the much-hated “new look”? Here’s five ways to turn back the clock on some of Gmail’s latest (and for some, most annoying) new features.

      Read More
    • close
    • Contact Us

      Got a question? Need help with a gadget? Have a comment, or a product pitch? Want to advertise? Let me know!
    • Subscribe

      Want a daily digest of here's the thing delivered straight to your inbox?
      Just enter your email address right here: 
      Delivered by FeedBurner
    • Submit a Tip

      Let us know what you know!
    • ( * denotes a required field )

      Your name*

      Subject

      Your message

      captcha

      Now, just enter the CAPTCHA code to the left (just a little test to make sure you’re not a robot trying to spam the site )