How To Disable the Caps Lock key on your iPad Magic Keyboard

To disable the Caps Lock key on your iPad Magic Keyboard, go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Hardware Keyboard > Modifier Keys and set the option CAPS LOCK KEY to NO ACTION. 

Amazon Prime Video email: Your $6 credit is waiting.

Amazon Prime Video sent me an email saying, Your $6 credit is waiting. 

It would have been less spammy if they’d just sent an email saying: Your $6 credit has been applied to your account.

It worked after I clicked Activate now.

Note: Email was from no-reply@primevideo.com

Scan and Visit: Accessing a URL from a Saved QR Code on Your iPhone

Scan and Visit: Accessing a URL from a Saved QR Code on Your iPhone

Open the QR code image in your iPhone photos

CLICK the recognize icon at the bottom right

CLICK the photo

CLICK OPEN IN SAFARI

YOUTUBE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/FjmAxO5I2Q8?feature=shared

OTHER OPTIONS AVAILABLE ARE:

- Add to reading list

- Copy link

- Share… 

How to move from Xfinity XB7 to XB8 Gateway.

How to move from Xfinity XB7 to XB8 Gateway.

It’s easy. Move the Coax cable from XB7 to XB8. Add power to XB8. In the Xfinity App, choose to Activate xFi Gateway. Follow the steps including, Scan the QR code at the bottom of the XB8.

You will also have an opportunity to copy over your existing Username and Password.

I fixed some problems with page 5 of the Big Ass Fans Haiku L instructions.

I fixed some problems with page 5 of the Big Ass Fans Haiku L instructions.

For the first steps, 1, 2, and 3 I would re-order them as 2, 3, and 1. 

1. Connect the ground wire, 2. Connect the safety cable, and then 3. Secure the extension tube.

Then, just before step number 4, add a step that says, “Pull down the wires”, because giving the wires some slack will make it a lot easier to plug in the wiring harnesses.

Then there is a missing step after number five. There needs to be an added step that says, “Slide down the motor cover, and then screw it in to secure”. Then you go to the last step which is, “Slide down the trim”.

Midjourney: How To Upscale, Make Variations, and Upscale to Max

How To Upscale, Make Variations, and Upscale to Max:

Here I used the upscale button U1, for the top left image from my last post. Then I clicked on Make Variations to get four new variations of that upscaled image. 

Next, I chose Upscale to Max, and this is the result:

Here's an excerpt on upscaling from the Midjourney Quickstart Guide:

 Upscale Your Image or Create Variations

After a 2x2 grid of images has finished generating, two rows of buttons will appear:

In the top row: U1, U2, U3, and U4 are buttons for Upscaling your chosen image. Upscaling an image generates a larger roughly 1024x1024 pixel version of the selected image. By default, this will also generate additional details.
In the bottom row: V1, V2, V3, and V4 are buttons for creating Variations of your chosen image. Creating variations will generate four new images, similar in overall style and composition to the image you selected.

The order used by the numbered buttons (U,V) to select an image

After you use a 'U' button to upscale, you will have a few more options:

Here we used the U4 button, upscaling the bottom right image

Midjourney: Hello World

/imagine Prompt Hello World

I'm excited to share my first Midjourney creation after signing up for the monthly $10 plan. 

It's always comforting to successfully complete the standard programmer's first program, "Hello World".

Read the Midjourney Quickstart Guide for an overview.

Here's how to create an image:

- Go to one of the "newbie" bot channels. See attached screenshot: https://s.mj.run/newbie - Type /imagine and then whatever you want - The bot will send you 4 images in 60 seconds - Click numbered buttons underneath to get upscales (U) or variations (V) - Go to https://s.mj.run/feed to see the trending images from the community

Bundle Up New England Webpage Needs a Clickable URL

NBC 10 Boston has a promotion called Bundle Up New England.  This is what the webpage says:

"While you're out buying coats, hats and mittens for your holiday gift list, please think about donating.

All you have to do is open your phone to scan the QR code below, which will take you to the Amazon "Bundle Up" gift registry." 

They have neglected to place a clickable URL to the Amazon "Bundle Up" gift registry on the webpage. 

I'm on your webpage with a computer. Give me a link to click!

I scanned the QR code with my phone, went to the Amazon "Bundle Up" gift registry on the webpage, copied the link, emailed it to myself, and copied and pasted it into this blog post for you. 

Here is the Amazon "Bundle Up" gift registry link:

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3RIM90K6QZBM1/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

UPDATE: 

They saw this post and added a clickable link. 

Great!

I ordered a bunch of jackets. ;-)

How To Stream NBC on an Internet Only TV in your Cable TV Home

Let's say you have your main TV hooked up to Xfinity in your Great Room, but then you have a second TV in your bedroom that doesn't have a cable TV box, and you want to watch NBC TV shows like The Today Show on it. 

Here are three solutions to allow you to watch NBC broadcast TV on a TV where you've 'cut the cord'.

• 1. Use an Antenna

If you within a good range of a broadcast antenna, you can hook up a fairly inexpensive antenna to your TV and watch live broadcast TV, just like they did back in the old days.

2. Link Your TV Provider to the NBC and NBCU Family of Apps

With this solution, you need to have an account with a cable provider like Xfinity.

"If you have an account with a participating cable/satellite/digital TV provider, you can link it to the NBC and NBCU family of apps to unlock all episodes in the library and access a live stream of your local station."

Once you connect your app to your cable TV provider, you can watch NBC shows with an NBC app. 

3. Use the Xfinity Stream App.

Just like the Xfinity Stream App on iOS, you can use the Xfinity Stream App on your supported smart TV, like the TCL Roku TV. 

This gives you access to the full range of channels that you are subscribed to on your main account, along with the cloud DVR service, if that's part of your package. 

Xfinity Stream App on Xfinity TV Partner Devices FAQs:

"We work with equipment manufacturers to bring the Xfinity Stream app to compatible Amazon Fire TV devices, LG Smart TVs, Roku devices and other Partner Devices. The Xfinity Stream app offers live broadcast channels, linear cable channels, cloud recordings and video on demand, all without having to rent an Xfinity TV Box from us.

The Xfinity Stream app for Partner Devices is currently offered in a "beta" version that doesn't include the full set of features and functionality that comes with the Xfinity Stream app or the web portal. Future releases of the app will include additional features and functionality, as well as improved stability and optimization. When using the "beta" app, you won't be charged an "additional outlet" service charge. Pricing may change in the future.

Please note that Xfinity X1 is the best way to watch Xfinity TV, and not all features of X1 are available if you choose to use a Partner Device. See below for more information."

Setting up Comcast Xfinity Voice Remote

When setting up a new Comcast Xfinity Voice Remote, the instructions tell you to hold XFINITY and INFO for 5 seconds until the RED light TURNS GREEN.

What it should say is, “Hold the XFINITY and INFO for about 5-6 seconds until the RED light CHANGES TO BLINKING GREEN."

LED Lights Improve Video Look For Online Video Meetings.

 Anyone who is doing video meetings should have a couple of lights like this to improve their video's look.

I got this LED lighting kit for live and recorded video shoots. For my testing, I used the white diffuser filter. The lights were easy to attach to the adjustable 1/4 screw head on top of the tripod. I plugged the two USB plugs into a power strip that supports USB plugs directly. The tripod legs were difficult to open up all the way. Maybe because it was new, but it won't matter because once I got them open, they are going to stay open. Unlike most tripods that I am used to, these are SHORT, measuring only 3' 11". So for my application, I placed them on top of my table to make the lights higher than the interview subjects head, aiming down. I placed one on either side of the subject, high enough so the light would not reflect off the glasses. Anyone who is doing video meetings should have a couple of lights like this to improve their video's look. Two lights are better than one straight on.

Disclosure: This was a customer review of a free product.

Lighting Video Recording, Foxin 88 LED Dimmable 5600K USB LED Video Light Led Panel Lights Studio Lighting with Adjustable Tripod Stand/Color Filters, Studio Light/Lighting for Video Recording.

https://amzn.to/2X7vSXG [Affiliate Link]

Cutting the Cord 2021: How to Live Stream Local TV Stations

I'll be cutting the cord in 2021 and am researching How to Live Stream Local TV Stations on my Android TV.

My local stations are ABC, CBS, NBC, 7 News, NECN, and Fox 25. I'd also like HGTV. ;-)

Here are the options that I am considering and will update this post as I learn more about each option.

Note: This is a working document with changes and updates being made as I do more research and talk with some of the providers. Please look at the provider's site to see CURRENT plans and rules. I need to determine if I would be getting LOCAL news with each package too.

I will probably be getting an Internet package from Xfinity.

1. Digital Antenna

ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox.

2. YouTube TV $64.99/month

ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, HGTV.

3. Hulu + Live TV $64.99/month

ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, HGTV.

4. Tubi TV FREE

Fox local depending on where you live

5. Philo $30.00/month

HGTV

6. Sling $30/month

HGTV

7. Pluto TV Free

CBSN, CNN, NBC News Now, Sky News

8. Locast Free

ABC, CBS, NBC, 7 News, and Fox 25.

9. Xfinity Flex + Limited Basic/Choice 10+ TV $30/month 

ABC, CBS, NBC, 7 News, NECN, Fox 25, and PBS.

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Choice Limited TV. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $19.45/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $14.45/mo.) and other applicable charges extra. Pricing subject to change. Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month’s recurring service and standard installation charges up to $500. ©2021 Comcast. All rights reserved.

(Add 100 Mbps Internet - Total $54.99/month)

Limited time offer. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Choice Double Play. Offer requires enrollment in both automatic payments and paperless billing. Must enroll within 30 days of placing the order. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10. The automatic payment and paperless billing discount is for a period of 24 months and will appear on the bill within 30 days of enrolling. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are subsequently cancelled during the 24-month term, or services are reduced to Xfinity TV Limited Basic service only, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Kit offer for kit serviceable locations only. Limit one kit per customer. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $19.45/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $14.45/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After promo, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast's monthly service charge for Choice Double Play is $89.99 and for upgrading from Performance Internet to Performance Pro Internet service is $15.00 more per month (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month’s recurring service and standard installation charges up to $500. ©2021 Comcast. All rights reserved.

10. Xfinity Flex + Preferred 220+ TV  $69/month

ABC, CBS, NBC, 7 News, NECN, Fox 25, HGTV, and PBS.

Limited time offer. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Digital Preferred. Offer requires enrollment in both automatic payments and paperless billing. Must enroll within 30 days of placing the order. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10. The automatic payment and paperless billing discount is for a period of 24 months and will appear on the bill within 30 days of enrolling. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are subsequently cancelled during the 24-month term, or services are reduced to Xfinity TV Limited Basic service only, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. Kit offer for kit serviceable locations only. Limit one kit per customer. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $19.45/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $14.45/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After promo, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast's monthly service charge for Digital Preferred, ranges based on area, from $76.70 to $85.20 (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month’s recurring service and standard installation charges up to $500. ©2021 Comcast. All rights reserved.

Additionally, I am researching the iOS news apps for the local stations. 

11. Don't Cut the Cord:

Xfinity Flex + Select + 205 + TV + Internet up to 300 Mbps $89.99/month

ABC, CBS, NBC, 7 News, NECN, Fox 25, HGTV, and PBS. Plus more including AMC, BBC America, BBC World News, Bravo, CNN, CNBC, ESPN, Food, NESN, SYFY, and lots more cable channels...

Requires xFi Gateway

Available for $14/mo at checkout.

• A modem + router in one that delivers our best home WiFi experience, xFi
• Reliably fast speeds, consistent coverage, 24/7 tech support
• FREE Advanced Security helps protect connected devices from online threats

First TV Box

$7.5/mo

Additional TV Box

$7.5/mo

Cloud DVR Service

Included when you get an X1 TV Box

Limited time offer. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Select+. Offer requires enrollment in both automatic payments and paperless billing. Must enroll within 30 days of placing the order. Without enrollment, the monthly service charge automatically increases by $10. The automatic payment and paperless billing discount is for a period of 24 months and will appear on the bill within 30 days of enrolling. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are subsequently cancelled during the 24-month term, or services are reduced to Xfinity TV Limited Basic service only, the $10 monthly discount will be removed automatically. 2-year minimum term agreement required. Early termination fee applies if all Xfinity services are cancelled during the agreement term. Kit offer for kit serviceable locations only. Limit one kit per customer. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $19.45/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $14.45/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the term agreement. After first 12 months, monthly service charge for Select+ increases to $109.99 per month for months 13-24. After term agreement, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Not all programming available in all areas. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee applies to one month’s recurring service and standard installation charges up to $500. ©2021 Comcast. All rights reserved.

89.99

14.00

7.50

7.50

------

118.99

=====

Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, Broadcast TV Fee (up to $19.45/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $14.45/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the term agreement.

12. Fubo.tv $64.99/month

ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX 25, HGTV, and PBS.