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Alan Truly

Alan Truly

Computing Writer

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

Canon Pixma G4270 is a MegaTank all-in-one inkjet printer.

What does printer spooling mean, and how to fix it on Windows and Mac

Printer spooling usually runs automatically and reliably, but when there's a printing problem, here's how to fix this issue and get back to work.
Computing Guides
A Monoprice MP10 3D Printer is creating an octahedron in blue plastic.

What is a 3D printer, and how much do they cost?

Learn what a 3D printer is, how it works, and how much it costs. 3D printing is helpful for personal use, prototyping and manufacturing.
Computing Guides
Two Qualcomm Snapdragon chips.

Qualcomm says its new chips are 4.5 times faster at AI than rivals

Qualcomm's new Snapdragon processors bring fast generative AI to laptops and phones while keeping your data private and saving power.
Computing News
Virtual screens graphically shown in front of a woman on a couch.

These new smart glasses put a 500-nit, 330-inch screen on your eyes

Xreal is back with its second-generation smart glasses, the Air 2 and Air 2 Pro, which are even lighter with higher-quality displays.
Computing News
Canon's Pixma TS6420a handles double-sided document printing reliably.

This all-in-one Canon printer is small, simple, and surprisingly cheap

The Canon Pixma TS6420a is a low-cost all-in-one printer that's small, light, and convenient for home use. We put its quality and value to the test.
Computing Reviews
If you chose Ray-Bans with dark lenses, it gets a little dim in the evening.

I expected the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses to be lame. I was wrong

The second-gen Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses have plenty to offer, with improved camera and mics, messaging, and AI. But are they worth $300?
Computing Reviews
A Brother printer on a counter in front of a brick wall.

Best color laser printers for 2023: tested and reviewed

Color laser printers are the go-to choice for home offices and small businesses. But which should you buy? Here are our picks for the best color laser printers.
Computing Products
A profile shot shows Alan Truly wearing the Meta Quest 3.

Meta Quest 3 vs. Quest Pro: Which is right for you?

Meta's Quest 3 matches many, but not all of the features of the Quest Pro. We compare comfort, performance, image quality, mixed reality, and more.
Computing Products
I can play in tight quarters with the Quest 3's mixed reality view.

Meta Quest 3 is here, but is the Quest 2 still worth buying?

Meta's Quest 3 has arrived with improved performance and mixed reality, but the Quest 2 costs less and has the same games, so which is right for you?
Computing Products
Alan Truly works out with the Quest 3 in Les Mills Body Combat.

Meta Quest 3 review: the VR headset you’ve been waiting for

Meta's Quest 3 costs $200 more than the Quest 2. How much have performance, graphics, mixed-reality, and comfort improved and is it worth the price?
Gaming Computing
The Expression Premium XP-7100 prints in excellent photo quality on any media.

You’d never believe photos this good come from a $150 printer

Epson's Expression Premium XP-7100 is a high-quality photo printer at a surprisingly low price, but does it offer ease of use and long-term value?
Computing Reviews
researchers use ambient light sensor data to steal browser exhausted man computer problems desk hacking hackers malware frust

How to clear your printer queue on Windows and Mac

Learn how to clear your printer queue, an important and sometimes necessary step, even after you've resolved more serious printer problems.
Computing Guides
Meta AI's Dungeon Master looks like Snoop Dogg.

Meta just created a Snoop Dogg AI for your text RPGs

Meta AI is leaving the laboratory and coming to social media, with fun and realistic avatars that look like celebrities.
Computing News
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in Headline style are worn by a model.

Meta’s AI smart glasses collection can live stream video — but they’re missing a big feature

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses feature 12MP cameras that can live stream directly to Instagram and Facebook, and respond to voice commands.
Computing News
Alan Truly holds a display model of Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip.

Meet the Qualcomm chips powering Meta’s Quest 3 headset

Qualcomm's Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 and Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 bring game-changing performance, efficiency, and connectivity to VR headsets and AR glasses.
Computing News
Epson's EcoTank ET-8500 is a high-quality photo printer with big ink tanks.

Epson EcoTank ET-8500: a picture-perfect all-in-one printer

Epson says its EcoTank ET-8500 offers lab-quality photo prints and includes $2,000 worth of ink, so we put those bold claims to the test.
Computing Reviews
Microsoft Copilot comes to Bing and Edge.

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

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

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

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

Microsoft Paint is about to get so much better

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I built my own robot dog, and you can too

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

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

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

How to find your printer IP address and WPS PIN

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

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

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

This is how Google Docs is challenging Grammarly’s AI

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

How I supercharged my productivity with a free typing app

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

Windows 11 will finally respect your default browser — in Europe

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

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

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

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

Is that budget printer really a good deal? Ink cartridge prices are a hidden cost that you need to consider when shopping for a bargain.
Computing Guides
Apple Vision Pro being worn by a person while using a keyboard.

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

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

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

If you're looking for an ultra-portable keyboard, this strap-on solution could single-handedly change the way you work.
Computing Features
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