Lance Whitney (@lancewhit.bsky.social)

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

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.

286 followers 123 following1.5K posts

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

15h

Microsoft is finally adding an integrated internet speed test to Windows 11 to measure your download and upload speeds. This is a big improvement over the current tool, which simply takes you to a Bing web page. zdnet.com/tech/microso... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comWindows finally gets a built-in internet speed test tool - how to try it - ZDNETAvailable to Windows Insiders, the built-in tool measures your upload and download speeds over Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

17h

Is your right-click menu in Windows File Explorer too crowded and cluttered? Now being tested is a customizable menu that will let you add and remove commands yourself. Here's how it works. zdnet.com/tech/windows... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comI tried Windows 11’s customizable right-click menu - and it's a much-needed change - ZDNETThe latest Windows Insider build lets you add, remove, and manage commands in the right-click menu so it's less crowded and confusing.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

19h

Apple has launched iOS 27.2 for the iPhone. This first major update to iOS 27 brings more skills to Siri AI, lets you use the front and rear cameras simultaneously during a FaceTime call, and patches more than 160 security flaws. zdnet.com/tech/apple-i... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comApple’s iOS 27.2 update offers major Siri AI upgrades, dual camera support for FaceTime - ZDNETiOS 27.2 is the first major update for the current OS. Here's what's inside and what happened to iOS 27.1.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Apple's new 8th-generation iPad mini boasts a host of new and improved features over the previous model. Here's why I'm picking one up. zdnet.com/tech/apple-l... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comApple’s new OLED iPad Mini is the upgrade I’ve been waiting for - here's why - ZDNETStarting at $799, the 8th-generation iPad mini is up for preorder on October 27 and hits stores on November 6. It’s already on my shopping list.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

This optional setting on the iPhone and iPad aims to protect you from scams that traditional security might miss. Here's how to enable it. zdnet.com/tech/ios-27-... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comYour iPhone can spot scams for you with iOS 27 - but you have to opt in - ZDNETImpersonation Risk Detection tries to spot scams traditional security methods might miss.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Ever have trouble using or controlling your computer mouse? Microsoft has added two handy new mouse helpers to its free PowerToys utility. Here's how they work. zdnet.com/tech/powerto... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comThe latest PowerToys gives your mouse 2 new tricks for free - how to use them - ZDNETPowerToys is one of my favorite free Windows utilities. With more than 30 tools, it offers something for everyone from beginners to power users. Here's what's new for mousing.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Worried about becoming a victim of an online scam? Google Chrome will now warn you if you try to visit a suspicious website. zdnet.com/business/chr... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comChrome warns you about suspicious websites now - how to turn on Google's new scam protection - ZDNETGoogle’s browser will flash two types of warnings based on whether the site is deemed dangerous or just suspicious.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Microsoft's latest update for Windows 11 disables a key security setting. But there is a fix that you can apply if you're affected. Here's how. zdnet.com/tech/microso... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comLatest Windows update disables key security setting - but there's a workaround - ZDNETA bug in Microsoft's October Windows update prevents you from turning on a security setting that blocks malicious or suspicious apps. A Registry hack fixes the glitch.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Whether you've upgraded your existing iPhone to iOS 27 or just bought a new phone with the latest OS, here are five things you should do. zdnet.com/tech/5-thing... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comGot iOS 27? Do these 5 things first after upgrading - ZDNETBought a new iPhone or just upgraded to iOS 27? Take these steps before diving into your new OS.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Looking to snag the new iPhone Duo? Preorder it from Apple, and you'll have to wait three months for it to arrive. Instead, preorder it from your own carrier or another retailer like Best Buy. Here's how. zdnet.com/tech/iphone-... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comWant an iPhone Duo before 2027? Don’t preorder from Apple - try this instead - ZDNETEstimates for Duo preorders are now showing a ship date of late January, marking a new wait time record for Apple and its customers.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

I always install certain apps on every new Windows PC. But these five are my favorites and the ones I can't do without. zdnet.com/tech/my-top-... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.com5 apps I always install on new Windows PCs - and most are free - ZDNETI rely on these five apps daily, so they get a spot on each new Windows computer.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

ChatGPT can create interactive charts, graphs, illustrations, images, and even tools to visually answer your question or request. Here are five ways I've used this cool skill. zdnet.com/innovation/g... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comVisual learner? Ask ChatGPT to respond with interactive images - it's a game-changer - ZDNETGPT-6 can create interactive images to help you visualize and work with the information you need. Here are five ways I've used it this feature.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Microsoft's October Windows update patches a record 1,400 security vulnerabilities, 80 of them critical and two of them zero-day flaws. This is one you'll want to install. zdnet.com/tech/windows... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comWindows update patches a whopping 1,400 security bugs - including 2 zero days - ZDNETThis month’s update also marks the first official one for Windows 11 26H2 and the end of support for Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Those of you looking to buy the latest iPhone, should you get an iPhone 18 Pro or an iPhone Duo? Here's why I went for the 18 Pro. pcmag.com/opinions/bef...

pcmag.comBefore You Rush to Buy the iPhone Duo, Here's Why I Chose the 18 Pro InsteadAs Apple's first foldable phone, the Duo is intriguing, but here are eight reasons why the iPhone 18 Pro is the better choice for me and how to use my favorite features.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Want to make your Android phone look and work a bit more like an iPhone? Here are six ways to do that. zdnet.com/tech/make-an... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.com6 ways to make Android look and work more like iOS - ZDNETUse Android, but like some elements of iOS? Here's how to get the best of both.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Do you use Windows but prefer the design of Apple's Mac operating system? Here are six ways to make Windows look more like macOS. zdnet.com/tech/how-to-... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comHow to make Windows more like MacOS: 6 tweaks to try - ZDNETWant a Windows environment with an Apple aesthetic? Try these changes.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Are you using the new Siri AI on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac? If so, you should review the privacy options to ensure that any personal information you share in your conversations remains private. Here's how. pcmag.com/how-to/worri...

pcmag.comWorried That Siri AI Knows Too Much About You? 7 Ways to Protect Your PrivacyUsing Siri AI in iOS 27? Here’s how to review and adjust your privacy options to make sure your chats are as protected as possible.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

There's a lot more you can do with Apple Messages on your iPhone than just send and receive plain old texts. Here are 18 things you can do with it, including several new options courtesy of iOS 27. pcmag.com/explainers/a...

pcmag.com18 Handy Apple Messages Features You Should Already Be UsingFrom asking Siri AI for writing assistance to creating a Genmoji based on a description or photo, iOS 27 adds several helpful new features for Apple Messages. Here’s how to take advantage of them.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Do you use Google's Gemini app or website for free? Your choice of AI models will soon be limited to the weakest one. zdnet.com/innovation/g... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comUse Gemini for free? You'll soon be limited to its weakest AI model - ZDNETGoogle is cutting off free users from the Flash and Pro models. AI Plus subscribers are losing out too

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Still using Microsoft Office 2021? Microsoft is cutting off technical support and security updates in another week. You can still use the program but you won't be protected against new security flaws. Here are five options to consider. zdnet.com/tech/microso... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comOffice 2021 support ends this month - you have 5 options - ZDNETMicrosoft is ending support and updates for Office 2021 on October 13. What does that mean, and what are your alternatives?

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Malicious websites can infect your PC with viruses and spyware, steal your personal data, take over your system, and hijack your accounts. Here are seven ways to protect yourself. pcmag.com/explainers/m...

pcmag.comMalicious Websites Are Built to Scam You. Stay Safe With These 7 Defensive TipsFrom enabling secure DNS to double-checking extensions, here's how I stay one step ahead of the cybercriminals while on the web.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

Do you have an older iPhone that doesn't support the new Siri AI or Apple Intelligence? There are still a host of reasons to upgrade your phone to iOS 27. Here are seven cool new features in this latest version of iOS. zdnet.com/tech/ios-27-... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.com7 iOS 27 features that make old iPhones exciting again (no Apple Intelligence needed) - ZDNETDo you own an older iPhone that doesn’t support Siri AI or Apple Intelligence? Upgrading to iOS 27 is still worth the effort. Here are seven reasons why.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

This hidden setting on your iPhone with iOS 27 aims to protect you from scammers. Here's how it works and how to enable it. zdnet.com/tech/ios-27-... via @zdnet.bsky.social

zdnet.comYour iPhone just got a hidden anti-scam upgrade in iOS 27: How to enable it - ZDNETNew with iOS 27 (and iPadOS 27) is a setting called Impersonation Risk Detection that aims to warn you of suspicious activity that could trap you in a scam.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

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.comWindows 11 26H2 update arrives: What's inside and who should install it ASAP - ZDNETThe 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?

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

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.comI've used the iPhone 18 Pro for a week - these 5 features make the upgrade worth it - ZDNETI upgraded my iPhone 16 Pro as soon as the 18 Pro dropped - and I don't regret it. Here are five reasons why.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

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.comiOS 27.0.1 released: Apple fixes annoying iPhone 18 Pro restart and freezing issues - ZDNETThe 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.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

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.comMicrosoft's Surface Mouse is back, now with haptic feedback - and I need it - ZDNETDue October 13, the $80 Surface mouse packs an impressive array of features. I want one.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

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.comIs your Apple Watch 12 or Ultra 4 randomly restarting? Here's the fix - ZDNETSome owners, including me, have reported sudden shutdowns while adjusting Apple Watch settings.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

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.comMy favorite 5 Watch OS 27 upgrades - and how to try them yourself - ZDNETSiri AI has finally arrived on WatchOS, but you’ll find other useful features, too. Here are my five favorites.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

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.comHow to fix your Windows File History if the September update broke it - ZDNETA bug in the Windows Sept patch Tuesday update may stop File History from working. But a new optional update fixes it.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

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.comApple Wallet can split the bill for you in iOS 27 - plus 4 more cool upgrades - ZDNETWith iOS 27, Apple has spruced the Wallet app so that it’s even more helpful. Here are five new things you should try.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

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.comMy 5 favorite Siri AI 'onscreen awareness' tricks - and why - ZDNETWith 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.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

22 Sept

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

22 Sept

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.comAfter your iOS 27 upgrade, do these 5 things first - ZDNETWhether 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.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

21 Sept

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.comClaim up to $95 today from Apple's Siri AI settlement - here's how - ZDNETGot 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.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

21 Sept

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.comFake calendar invites can infect your system, and they're surging - how to protect yourself - ZDNETThese invites sneak past your security software to embed themselves in your calendar. But you can thwart them before they do any damage.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

17 Sept

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.comSafari Keeps Getting Better. Try These 21 Hidden Tricks Now That iOS 27 Is HereApple'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.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

17 Sept

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.comNever Trust Facebook: 3 Ways to Protect Your Privacy When Using Meta AINo 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.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

16 Sept

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.comNot a Fan of Liquid Glass? You'll Love the New Slider in iOS 27Apple'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.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

16 Sept

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.comYour iPhone Now Lets You Vibe Code Apple ShortcutsThe 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.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

16 Sept

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.comWindows 11 out-of-band update fixes audio glitch and other bugs - grab it now - ZDNETThe latest out-of-band update resolves a few problems in Windows 11, including one that cut off the sound for certain USB audio devices.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

15 Sept

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.comiPhone 18 Pro vs iPhone Duo: How to decide between the foldable and the flagship - ZDNETApple’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.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

15 Sept

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.comiOS 27 is finally here, with the new Siri AI beta - and 120 security patches - ZDNETEven if you're not ready for iOS 27, there's an important new update for you too. Here's what's new.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

14 Sept

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.comThe latest Windows 11 update may mess with your device's audio – here’s the workaround - ZDNETThe September Patch Tuesday update is causing audio problems with certain USB devices, but you may be able to resolve it yourself.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

14 Sept

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.comIs Your Kid Addicted to Their Phone? How to Set Limits with Apple's Screen TimeDo 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.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

11 Sept

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.comEager to try iOS 27's cool AI features and upgraded Siri? Get ready for usage limits - ZDNETA new Apple support page explains how Siri AI and other AI-powered tools in the new OS will be controlled.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

10 Sept

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

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

10 Sept

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.comIs Apple Watch Series 12 worth the upgrade? 7 reasons I'm buying one ASAP - ZDNETI wasn't planning to replace my Series 10 watch yet, but these new features changed my mind.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

10 Sept

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.comiPhone Duo or 18 Pro? 8 reasons why I'm skipping Apple's first foldable - ZDNETThe iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro decision was easy for me. Here's why.

Lance Whitney

@lancewhit.bsky.social

9 Sept

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.comWant iOS 27 on day one? Don’t skip this last-minute iPhone update - ZDNETiOS 26.6.2 squashes a bug that could prevent users without Wi-Fi from downloading software updates, including iOS 27.