New Technology : What Is The Best Smartphone Released In 2014? [MakeUseOf Poll]

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There were some brilliant new smartphones released in 2014, including plenty of new Androids, a couple of new iPhones, several new Windows Phone handsets, and even a BlackBerry or two as well. But which, dear reader, is the best smartphone launched in the past year? Welcome to this week’s MakeUseOf Poll. Unexpected Explorer Upset To answer this week’s question please scroll down the page until you see the poll staring back at you. But first, we need to look at the results from last week, when we asked, “What Web Browser Do You Use, & Why?” Out of a total...


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New Technology : Separate Your To-Do Lists By Location And Get Things Done

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The sight of a long to-list can be overwhelming — even paralyzing. Unfinished tasks make us conscious of just how much we still have to do. An effective solution is to maintain different task lists, based on the place you are at. There’s a popular meme that amusingly sums up the effect of looking at several tasks on your plate: We’ve all felt that at some point. You need to dig yourself out of your task backlog. Try creating to-do lists keeping in mind the place and tools you will have at that time. Why You Should Categorize Tasks By...


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New Technology : 5 Sites To Help You Complete Essential Tasks Before The Year Ends

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The turkey has been eaten, and the presents unwrapped. In the hangover that is the aftermath of Christmas, it is now time to take stock of the rapidly approaching New Year and prepare for the beginning of 2015. Some families view the coming New Year as a time to take stock, and take care of some unfinished tasks. If you are one of those people/families, then maybe the following 5 sites will help you carry out those tasks more efficiently and quickly. Power Up Cleaning The House With Unf*k Your Habitat The first order of business before you usher in...


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New Technology : 7 Single-Page Productivity Planners To Organize Your To-Do List

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There is no one-size-fits-all productivity solution. Different people have different ways to get things done. As much as you love technology, it might not be how you plan your day. But it can still help in giving you the right non-tech tools to manage your day. What’s The Benefit Of Paper To-Do Lists And Planners? There are plenty of fantastic to-do list apps. In fact, we recently wrote about the best apps to manage lists on Android and still couldn’t choose between nine worthy contenders. However, there is something to be said for good old pen and paper. Julie Morgenstern,...


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New Technology : 6 Lessons From Pixar That Will Set You Up For Success

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Pixar has a lot to say about success. Since Toy Story‘s debut in 1995, the animation studio has maintained an impressive track record, pumping out critically-acclaimed movies on an annual basis. Is it possible for you and me to achieve that kind of success, too? A few years ago, one of Pixar’s artists released an unofficial compilation of writing advice called Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling. As it turns out, the secrets of storytelling tend to reflect the secrets of success in real life. Whether you’re a writer or not, you owe it to yourself to take one minute and...


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New Technology : What Was Your Favorite MakeUseOf Article Of 2014? [We Ask You]

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We have had a rather momentous year here at MakeUseOf. There have been personnel changes, new sections started, columns ended, and, above all, lots and lots of amazing articles designed to help you make better use of technology. The question is, which was your personal favorite? We’re hoping everybody reading this can point to at least one article they commented on, shared, or bookmarked for future reference. And now is the time to tell us all about your favorite article from the past year. 2014: The Year Of MakeUseOf We want to know, What Was Your Favorite MakeUseOf Article Of...


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New Technology : A Year in Review and Happy Holidays from MakeUseOf

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First and foremost, on behalf of the writers, editors, and management at MakeUseOf, I would like to extend a heartfelt Happy Holidays and New Year to each and every one of you. Whether you’re a long-time fan of MakeUseOf, or a brand new reader who just arrived, you already know that at MakeUseOf, we’re a little different than most tech sites. Setting aside the complex jargon and technical lingo, we like to offer regular people extraordinary ways to make better use of the technology in their lives. The manner in which we do this for you has changed over the...


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New Technology : Prove Your Pokémon Mastery With These Difficult Challenges

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Pokémon games may be marketed to kids, but they’re actually full of challenges for even the most seasoned video gamer. Tests of thoughtful preparation, strategic mastery, and sheer completionist dedication await those who want to get hundreds of hours of play out of these popular Japanese RPGs. Think you’re ready to set these games aside, Pokémon Master? Think again! These in-game and fan made achievements will keep you playing long after the credits roll. Attempt A Specialized Run If you’re not too attached to your save file, specialized runs are a fun way to replay a title you’ve already completed....


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New Technology : WiFi Direct: Windows Wireless File Transfer That’s Faster Than Bluetooth

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Wireless data sharing is one of those things that we already enjoy, but not necessarily in the way we would like to have it. For instance, sharing Windows files and folders on a home network so that data can be easily reached from a second device is relatively simple, but sending data directly from one device to another isn’t. Email is an option, as is NFC, but not many computers support the latter which at the moment tends to be limited to handheld devices. Two options are built into Windows, but both can be initially difficult to use. However, once...


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New Technology : 5 Tools To Celebrate A Long Distance Christmas

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As Christmas rapidly approaches, there are some couples and families who are unable to be together at Christmas. Whether one of them is in the military serving overseas, or another at the other end of the country, there are always lonely people at Christmas-time, who wish they could connect with their loved ones. The Internet has made it easier though for couples and families to connect. Skype and Google Hangouts are the two immediate tools which spring to mind (with something like Spotify playing in the background to provide some ambience). I will be using Skype to talk to my...


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