Tag: corner tips

Quick Tips: Your Battery on Video Chat

Posted on by Mr John

Hi Net Neighbors!

Today I’m back with another Quick Tip, this time surrounding video chat and your battery. With more and more of us going virtual for our meetings and gatherings it’s more important than ever to understand how these activities can impact your battery life. The great news is that there isn’t much required to get the most bang for your buck.

First things first, the easiest way to not burn through your battery is to plug your device in. That’s it. Now I know it’s not always an option, maybe you’re in the wrong place or there are no safe plugs. Just don’t forget this option though, it can save a lot of headaches.

Next, it’s time to dive into your device’s general settings. Nothing extravagant, just the items you might have access to with a swipe up or down. In those quick settings there is often a slider for your screen brightness. Just turning the brightness down a little can save a lot of power. Also, the greatest thing about the brightness trick is that it doesn’t change what others see of you.

Another great way to save power is by changing the network you’re on. Did you know that Wi-Fi uses a lot less power than mobile data? Think about it, Wi-Fi usually extends just past the edge of a building whereas mobile data can talk to a tower blocks or miles away. It’s the difference between talking and shouting. So if you’re going to be doing a lot of talking use Wi-Fi. Not only is it energy efficient, it’s cheaper!

That’s it for this Quick Tip. It’s a little longer than the last but it’s good information. Give what I’ve said a try and see if you notice any change. I’ll see you next time.

Until then, have fun, find adventure, and stay safe.

Quick Tips: Zoom Permissions

Posted on by Mr John

Zoom logo, a white camera on a blue field

Zoom Logo

Hi Net Neighbor!

Welcome to the first of what I hope are many Quick Tips. Quick Tips are quick little tidbits of information. They’re easily digestible and, hopefully, help a little too. This Quick Tip is on Zoom, or more precisely a portion of Zoom that can trip people up; permissions.

If you don’t use Zoom often you might find yourself getting unnerved when your phone or tablet tells you Zoom wants permission to use your camera and audio. It’s a reasonable thing to be worried about, for so long we have been told to not let apps or programs, or really anything, have access to our devices. So many crime shows warn against this very thing. And while I do not want you to throw caution to the wind, for today’s Corner Tip I would like to promote a little more trust.

Zoom is not asking for these things because it is being nosy. They aren’t trying to open a gate into your device to steal your information. No, instead they are asking your permission to use your stuff to do the thing you want to do. When Zoom wants permission to use your camera, it is so your friends and loved ones can see you. And when it asks to use your audio it’s so you can hear and be heard. If you want to use Zoom you’ll have to say yes.

Don’t worry about leaving a hole for someone to crawl in, Zoom asks every time. In this way they are good Net Neighbors and it is up to us to treat them as such. Besides, you can always turn off your camera or mute your audio after the fact.

That’s all for now, I’ll see you around the neighborhood.

Until then, have fun, find adventure, and be safe.