Sign in

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social
287 followers 123 following 1.6K posts

I’m a freelance technology writer and journalist and a book author. I love old films, jazz, Star Trek, Doctor Who, and Spider-Man. And I’m a parent to Mr. Giggles the cat.

PostsRepliesMedia
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 9h
Microsoft has officially launched the 2026 update to Windows 11, namely Windows 11 26H2. What does it offer, and should you install it? zdnet.com/tech/windows... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Windows 11 26H2 update arrives: What's inside and who should install it ASAP - ZDNET
The 2026 edition of Windows 11 is now officially available. But what does it offer over the 2025 version, and is it worth updating your PC?
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Got an iPhone 18 Pro? Me too. Here are my five favorite features on the newest iPhone and how you can try them as well. zdnet.com/tech/iphone-... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
I've used the iPhone 18 Pro for a week - these 5 features make the upgrade worth it - ZDNET
I upgraded my iPhone 16 Pro as soon as the 18 Pro dropped - and I don't regret it. Here are five reasons why.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Does your iPhone 18 Pro ever accidentally freeze and restart? A fix is available with the latest update to iOS 27. Here's how to grab it. zdnet.com/tech/iphone-... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
iOS 27.0.1 released: Apple fixes annoying iPhone 18 Pro restart and freezing issues - ZDNET
The first update to iOS 27 squashes a bug in which the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max would freeze or restart when you try to use Face ID.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Microsoft is bringing back its Surface mouse, now with cool new features like haptic feedback and a customizable action button. I'm buying one when it launches in October. Here's why. zdnet.com/home-and-off... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Microsoft's Surface Mouse is back, now with haptic feedback - and I need it - ZDNET
Due October 13, the $80 Surface mouse packs an impressive array of features. I want one.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Do you have a new Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4 that's randomly restarting? It's a known bug, but Apple has fixed it with watchOS 27.0.1. Here's how to grab this latest update. zdnet.com/tech/apple-w... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Is your Apple Watch 12 or Ultra 4 randomly restarting? Here's the fix - ZDNET
Some owners, including me, have reported sudden shutdowns while adjusting Apple Watch settings.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
With watchOS 27 on my new Apple Watch, I love using Siri AI. But there are other cool features, both new and improved. Here are my five favorites. zdnet.com/business/my-... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
My favorite 5 Watch OS 27 upgrades - and how to try them yourself - ZDNET
Siri AI has finally arrived on WatchOS, but you’ll find other useful features, too. Here are my five favorites.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The September Windows security update may break the File History tool, which many people use to back up and restore important files. But there is a fix. Here's how to apply it. zdnet.com/business/win... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
How to fix your Windows File History if the September update broke it - ZDNET
A bug in the Windows Sept patch Tuesday update may stop File History from working. But a new optional update fixes it.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
I regularly use the Apple Wallet app on my iPhone, and iOS 27 adds several new and improved features. Here are five of my favorites. zdnet.com/business/ios... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Apple Wallet can split the bill for you in iOS 27 - plus 4 more cool upgrades - ZDNET
With iOS 27, Apple has spruced the Wallet app so that it’s even more helpful. Here are five new things you should try.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
In iOS 27, Siri AI can "see" your screen to provide information, answer questions, and run commands related to the content on it. Here are five ways I use this cool new feature. zdnet.com/innovation/s... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
My 5 favorite Siri AI 'onscreen awareness' tricks - and why - ZDNET
With the new onscreen awareness feature, Siri can provide information and answer questions about the content on any iPhone screen. Here's how I use it.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
In iOS 27, Siri AI can "see" your screen to provide information, answer questions, and run commands related to the content on it. Here are five ways I use this cool new feature. zdnet.com/innovation/s... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
My 5 favorite Siri AI 'onscreen awareness' tricks - and why - ZDNET
With the new onscreen awareness feature, Siri can provide information and answer questions about the content on any iPhone screen. Here's how I use it.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Whether you just bought a new iPhone with iOS 27 or upgraded your existing phone to the new operating system, here are five things you should do first. zdnet.com/tech/5-thing... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
After your iOS 27 upgrade, do these 5 things first - ZDNET
Whether you just bought a new iPhone or upgraded to iOS 27 on your existing phone, here are five things you should do before diving in.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Did you buy an iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or 16 in 2024 or 2025? Apple has settled a Siri AI class-action lawsuit with a payout of $250 million. Here’s how to qualify for the settlement and file a claim to get your cut. zdnet.com/business/cla... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Claim up to $95 today from Apple's Siri AI settlement - here's how - ZDNET
Got an iPhone 15 Pro, Pro Max, or 16? Apple is doling out $250 million - here’s how to qualify and file a claim to get your cut.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Fake calendar invites can infect your PC or device with malware. Here's how they work and how to protect yourself against them. zdnet.com/tech/fake-ca... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Fake calendar invites can infect your system, and they're surging - how to protect yourself - ZDNET
These invites sneak past your security software to embed themselves in your calendar. But you can thwart them before they do any damage.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Curious about all the things you can do with Safari on your iPhone? Here are 21 helpful features and settings, including ones you can now access in iOS 27. pcmag.com/how-to/apple...
pcmag.com
Safari Keeps Getting Better. Try These 21 Hidden Tricks Now That iOS 27 Is Here
Apple's default web browser has a host of helpful features to help you navigate the web. Upgrading to iOS 27 or iPadOS 27 adds automatic tab groups, custom extensions, and live page tracking.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Worried about your privacy if you use Meta AI in Facebook, Instagram, or at its own website? Here's how to tighten your privacy settings as much as possible. pcmag.com/explainers/n...
pcmag.com
Never Trust Facebook: 3 Ways to Protect Your Privacy When Using Meta AI
No matter where or how you use Meta’s AI, you should take certain precautions to safeguard your privacy as much as possible. Here’s what you can do.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Whether you love or hate the Liquid Glass effect on your iPhone, you can now fully control it via a slider in iOS 27. pcmag.com/how-to/not-f...
pcmag.com
Not a Fan of Liquid Glass? You'll Love the New Slider in iOS 27
Apple's polarizing UI design isn't going anywhere, but iOS 27 gives you more control to tone down some things. Here's how to make Liquid Glass less transparent.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
With iOS 27 on your iPhone, Apple's Shortcuts app now helps you more easily create a shortcut. Just describe it in plain language, and the app generates it for you. pcmag.com/how-to/your-...
pcmag.com
Your iPhone Now Lets You Vibe Code Apple Shortcuts
The Shortcuts app provides access to a huge number of existing shortcuts, along with the ability to create and run your own on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Microsoft has rolled out an unexpected Windows 11 update to fix a recent audio glitch and other problems, including two security flaws. You'll want to install this one. Here's how. zdnet.com/business/win... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Windows 11 out-of-band update fixes audio glitch and other bugs - grab it now - ZDNET
The latest out-of-band update resolves a few problems in Windows 11, including one that cut off the sound for certain USB audio devices.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Trying to choose between an iPhone 18 Pro and an iPhone Duo? Here are the top features and benefits of both phones so you can better decide. zdnet.com/business/iph... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
iPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone Duo: How to decide between the foldable and the flagship - ZDNET
Apple’s new flagship 18 Pro and Duo phones are both enticing handsets. Here’s how to choose between them based on your own interests and priorities.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Apple has officially rolled out iOS 27 for the iPhone as well as new OS 27 versions for the iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and other products. Upgrade your device and you'll find Siri AI along with other new and improved features and security patches. zdnet.com/business/ios... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
iOS 27 is finally here, with the new Siri AI beta - and 120 security patches - ZDNET
Even if you're not ready for iOS 27, there's an important new update for you too. Here's what's new.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Microsoft's September Windows 11 update is causing problems with the sound on older USB speakers, headsets, and other audio devices. But there is a workaround. zdnet.com/business/win... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
The latest Windows 11 update may mess with your device's audio – here’s the workaround - ZDNET
The September Patch Tuesday update is causing audio problems with certain USB devices, but you may be able to resolve it yourself.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Need to limit the amount of time your child spends on their iPhone or iPad? Here's how to do just that with Apple's Screen Time. pcmag.com/how-to/kid-a...
pcmag.com
Is Your Kid Addicted to Their Phone? How to Set Limits with Apple's Screen Time
Do your kids waste too much time on Instagram or TikTok? With Apple's Screen Time, you can set limits for them and (hopefully) teach them healthier device habits.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
iOS 27 will offer a lot of cool AI features, including the new and improved Siri. But you'll likely face limits on how much you can use them. zdnet.com/innovation/h... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Eager to try iOS 27's cool AI features and upgraded Siri? Get ready for usage limits - ZDNET
A new Apple support page explains how Siri AI and other AI-powered tools in the new OS will be controlled.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
iOS 27 will offer a lot of cool AI features, including the new and improved Siri. But you'll likely face limits on how much you can use them. zdnet.com/innovation/h... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Eager to try iOS 27's cool AI features and upgraded Siri? Get ready for usage limits - ZDNET
A new Apple support page explains how Siri AI and other AI-powered tools in the new OS will be controlled.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I was planning on keeping my Apple Watch Series 10. But after seeing the new health features on the new Series 12, I'll be buying one as soon it pops up in the stores. zdnet.com/business/why... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Is Apple Watch Series 12 worth the upgrade? 7 reasons I'm buying one ASAP - ZDNET
I wasn't planning to replace my Series 10 watch yet, but these new features changed my mind.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I'll be skipping Apple's new foldable iPhone Duo and upgrading to an iPhone 18 Pro instead. Here are eight reasons why. zdnet.com/business/iph... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
iPhone Duo or 18 Pro? 8 reasons why I'm skipping Apple's first foldable - ZDNET
The iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro decision was easy for me. Here's why.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Apple's new iOS 26.6.2 squashes a bug that could prevent iPhone owners from using a cellular connection to download software updates like the upcoming iOS 27. zdnet.com/business/iph... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Want iOS 27 on day one? Don’t skip this last-minute iPhone update - ZDNET
iOS 26.6.2 squashes a bug that could prevent users without Wi-Fi from downloading software updates, including iOS 27.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
This month's Windows 11 update improves the taskbar, Start menu, Search window, and more. Plus, it squashes almost 1,000 security bugs, a new record for Microsoft. Be sure to install this one. zdnet.com/uncategorize... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Latest Windows 11 update restores your taskbar control, patches 995 security flaws - ZDNET
The September Windows 11 update set a new patching record with almost 1,000 security flaws fixed.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Though I'm primarily an iPhone and Apple CarPlay user, I've been trying Gemini with Android Auto in the car. Here are the cool things I've been able to do with it. pcmag.com/explainers/g...
pcmag.com
Google Gemini Has Upgraded My Morning Commute. 9 Clever Ways I Use It With Android Auto
I've been using Gemini with Android Auto on my daily commute. Here's how to set it up and what you can do with it when you're behind the wheel.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Google’s Gemini Notebook now lets you research and explore your favorite books and authors by adding titles you've bought from Google Play to your AI-generated notebook. zdnet.com/article/gemi... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Gemini Notebook can analyze your Google Play books now: 3 ways I use this feature - ZDNET
Import a supported Google Play book, and Gemini Notebook will use it as a source of information to generate reports, quizzes, podcasts, and more.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Released last week, Microsoft's latest Windows preview update breaks your mouse cursor. Here's what to do if this glitch affects you. zdnet.com/article/wind... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Microsoft's latest Windows update breaks cursors, wallpaper, and more - what to do if you're affected
Here's what to know about the glitch, and the only action you can take for now.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Perplexity's Personal Computer AI agent is available in Windows. Here's how I give it complex tasks to carry out on its own. zdnet.com/article/perp... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
I used Perplexity's AI agent in Windows to tackle 5 complex tasks - here's what impressed me most
No longer limited to the Mac, Perplexity's Personal Computer for Windows AI can complete complex tasks on your PC with little or no input from you.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Google's AI-powered Flow tool can generate a brief video based on your description, photos, and more. I recently tried it. Here's what happened. pcmag.com/how-to/can-g...
pcmag.com
Can Google Flow Really Turn Your Prompts Into Movie Magic? I Had to Find Out
I certainly won't be creating the next cinematic masterpiece with Google Flow, but it's a fairly adept filmmaker if you're looking to experiment with video generation.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
ChatGPT's AI Work agent can carry out a range of tasks for you all on its own. And now it can even sign in to your website accounts without you. But is that safe? zdnet.com/article/chat... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
ChatGPT can log into your web accounts without you now - but should you let it?
OpenAI's agentic ChatGPT Work can sign in to your online accounts without any interaction on your part. Is that a privacy risk?
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
I gave ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Grok the same task to perform in Deep Research mode. Which one came out on top? pcmag.com/explainers/c...
pcmag.com
I Tested ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Grok on Deep Research. One Clear Winner Emerged
I challenged four leading chatbots with the same topic. Here's how they fared and how to try it yourself.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
The new Siri AI in iOS 27 is a vast improvement over the old Siri. Here's how to tweak and control it in the new OS. pcmag.com/explainers/a...
pcmag.com
Apple’s Overhauled Siri AI Is Finally Here. Here Are 12 Ways to Master It
Ready for the biggest Siri update in years? Whether you're tinkering in the iOS 27 public beta or want to be ready for the stable release this fall, here's how to make Apple's upgraded AI assistant wo...
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Want a free program that can sync your bookmarks across Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and other browsers? Here's the one I use. zdnet.com/article/free... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
This free tool keeps my bookmarks synced across Chrome, Firefox, and Edge - here's how
I use multiple browsers every day, and this free utility fixed one of my biggest annoyances.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Perplexity's new Portable Computer AI agent runs locally on your PC for faster performance, tighter security, and lower costs. But it has some strict requirements. zdnet.com/article/port... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Portable Computer is Perplexity's new local AI agent - why it's a game changer
Running an AI model locally, Perplexity's new Portable Computer can deliver faster performance, tighter security, and lower costs. But it has some strict requirements.
010
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Looking for an Echo, Kindle, or other Amazon item? The retail giant has hiked prices on several of its core products. Here's how much more you'll pay. zdnet.com/article/amaz... @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Amazon hikes prices on Echos, Kindles, Fire TVs as much as 60% - here's what you'll pay now
Be prepared to pay more for an Echo Dot, 16 GB Kindle, Fire TV Stick HD, and Amazon eero 7 mesh router, among several other products.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
ChatGPT can now analyze your text messages on a Mac and offer advice on how to improve your conversational style. zdnet.com/article/chat... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
ChatGPT's new Mac plugin analyzed my iMessages - and I found it surprisingly useful
ChatGPT can now analyze text messages on your Mac to reveal how you interact with others.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Need a good voice dictation tool to dictate emails, messages, and documents on your PC or mobile device? Wispr Flow is a great choice. Here's how to use it. zdnet.com/article/wisp... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Wispr Flow is better than your device's built-in voice text tool - how to try it for free
Designed for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, Wispr Flow is a pleasure to use compared with other voice dictation apps. Here's how.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Some browser extensions can be hazardous. Here's how to get rid of the ones you don't trust. pcmag.com/explainers/w...
pcmag.com
Warning: Your Old Browser Extensions May Be Secretly Exposing Your Data
A bad browser extension can be a security nightmare. If it's been hijacked by a bad actor, your personal data may be at risk. Here's how to nuke the add-ons you're no longer using.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The context menu that appears when you right-click an item in Windows Files Explorer can easily get cluttered. An upcoming new setting in Windows will let you customize the menu by adding or removing specific commands. Here's how it works. zdnet.com/article/micr... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Microsoft reveals customizable context menu for Windows users - how to try it out
You'll be able to tweak the right-click context menus in Windows to remove items you don't want, thereby decreasing the clutter.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
You'll want to install the latest OS update for your iPhone, iPad, and Mac as it patches some 29 security vulnerabilities. zdnet.com/article/appl... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Apple's iOS 26.6.1 patches 29 security flaws - here's why you'll want to install it
Along with MacOS and iPadOS, the latest update to iOS fixes a host of security bugs that could otherwise leave your device vulnerable to compromise or crashes.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
SIM swapping is a type of fraud in which a scammer transfers your mobile phone number to a SIM in their own device. By then intercepting your phone calls and text messages, they could take over your accounts. Here's how to protect yourself. zdnet.com/home-and-off... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Apple is warning users of new spyware attacks - what to do if you're a target zdnet.com/article/appl... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Apple is warning users of new spyware attacks - what to do if you're a target
New spyware attacks are aimed at journalists, activists, politicians, diplomats, and others. Here's how Apple is notifying them and what they should do - after turning on Lockdown Mode.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
ChatGPT's new Computer History feature can create a timeline from the apps and websites you use so you can incorporate them into your conversations. But there are some downsides and potential privacy risks. zdnet.com/article/chat... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
ChatGPT's new Computer History tracks your Mac activity to create a timeline - but should you let it?
Rolling out to ChatGPT's Mac app, Computer History creates a timeline from your activities across the apps and websites you use on your Mac. Is that a privacy risk?
100
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
You can make and receive phone calls via your Amazon Echo or the Alexa app on your phone. Here's how. pcmag.com/how-to/did-y...
pcmag.com
Did You Know You Can Turn Your Alexa Speaker Into a Phone? Here's How I Did It
Sick of only talking to Alexa? You can actually use your Echo device to make and receive phone calls.
001
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Microsoft is merging the current Copilot and Copilot 365 apps into one single unified program, a move that should reduce the confusion and clutter between the two. zdnet.com/article/micr... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Microsoft is merging Copilot and Copilot 365 into one unified app - and retiring 3 features
The move should cut down on the confusion between the two apps, especially for anyone who bounces back and forth between the two of them.
000
Lance Whitney @lancewhit.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Putting explicit photos of yourself on social media or in your personal online accounts is never a good idea. That's especially true now that the FBI is warning about hackers stealing and selling such images for sexual extortion. zdnet.com/article/hack... via @zdnet.bsky.social
zdnet.com
Hackers are hunting for your private photos, FBI warns: 6 ways to avoid a sextortion nightmare
Hackers who steal compromising images of you from social media and personal accounts are selling them on the dark web. Here's how to protect yourself.
011