Archives for June 14, 2022

The best alternative to WhatsApp in 2022

June 14, 2022 by feecalculator_x6rbod

The best alternative to WhatsApp in 2022.

Want an alternative to whatsapp? Whether you’re looking for a security-focused chat app or unique features that Whatsapp doesn’t have, there are plenty of options to choose from.

Messaging apps have proven more important than ever during the pandemic, so abandoning them is out of the question. We have found the best WhatsApp alternatives for you.

Please note that some of the following chat apps may be restricted in your region. To bypass geo-blocking, you will need a VPN. You can use a VPN to connect to apps available in other countries, just like you can change your Netflix region.

1. Telegram

Telegram has become popular relatively recently, although it has existed since 2013. It was developed in Russia where it quickly became a popular messaging app. Telegram supports text, images, documents, videos, and third-party bots with or without AI features.

Telegram also has a secret mode that will allow you to send encrypted messages. This variant of “secret chats” uses the MTProto encryption service. This means that your secret conversation will not be stored in the cloud.

Telegram works on Android and iOS operating systems, and is also available in web browsers.

2. Threema

Threema is a messaging app that guarantees the safety and anonymity of your chats. If you think that WhatsApp might have security issues, this app might be perfect for you. Threema encrypts all your data, including shared files, status updates and all messages.

Threema does not have voice or video chats, although you can send multimedia messages, including voice and video. This app does not collect metadata and offers an encrypted backup option. You can link this app to your phone number or email address so people can find you, but it’s not necessary if you prefer to remain anonymous.

The application’s transparent privacy policy is influenced by the fact that Threema is an open source project. This messaging app is available for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux, and is also available on the web.

3. Skype

Skype has long been a popular messaging app for businesses and families. This is a classic from Microsoft that can’t go wrong when it comes to video calls and voice chats, and it’s best suited for international calls. The sound and video quality is amazing, and there is even an option for group calls and group chats. In addition, you can record your Skype calls.

The group call feature is what made Skype so famous as a business messaging app. But if you have a large family or a large group of friends, this app will help you stay connected.

However, Skype has a downside and that is security. It is generally a secure application with strong encryption, but it does not have any eavesdropping protection.

4. Wire

Wire is another open source messaging application developed in Switzerland. This is a new application that works across multiple messaging platforms and supports text and multimedia messages, voice chats and video calls. The sound quality is of a high standard and the user interface has a stylish, elegant and fresh design.

While several security flaws were discovered in Wire in 2016, the developers have been hard at work ever since to make their app one of the most secure messaging apps out there. End-to-end encryption is guaranteed not only for text messages, but also for file sharing and conferences. Wire offers additional security features for enterprises and government organizations.

5. Facebook Messenger

If you’re looking for a messaging platform as popular as WhatsApp, you should consider Facebook Messenger (unless you want to sign out of Facebook). After all, it has about 1.5 billion users. This app has everything from text messages, file sharing, video and audio calls to group chats and features like sending pictures and stickers.

Keep in mind that if you want secure and private messaging, Facebook isn’t perfect for obvious reasons. The company scans files and text that you send and receive.

Facebook Messenger is available for both Android and iOS, and you can use it through the web version of Facebook. It also has a desktop version that works with Windows, Linux and macOS.

6. Viber

Viber was designed to provide VoIP services to its users, but over time the app has grown to include voice calls, text messaging, group chats, and synced desktop and mobile apps. However, Viber still only works if it’s linked to your phone number.

Viber uses end-to-end encryption, like many other messaging platforms. What makes this app stand out are the augmented reality selfie lenses developed in collaboration with Snapchat. You will also be able to make group calls with Viber and use their Communities feature.

Viber is free to use, but they sell sticker packs. They also offer a Viber Out subscription that will allow you to make unlimited international calls for $6 per month.

7. Discord

Discord started out as a chat platform for gamers. Now it hosts many servers that will allow you to interact with people who share your interests. But this mobile and desktop messaging platform also has a DM feature to send private messages. Plus, if you buy Discord Nitro for $9.99/month, you can upload larger files, HD screen sharing and streaming, and emoji enhancements.

Discord will let you share files with your contact list, but be aware that the free version has an 8MB upload limit. When you initiate a video or voice call via Discord, you will also have the option to share your screen.

Another benefit is that the app can integrate with Spotify, Youtube, Reddit, Xbox Live, Twitch, Steam, Battle.net, Facebook, Twitter, and GitHub. Discord can handle most of your messaging needs.

8. Kik

Kik is a messaging service with a social network vibe. It has all the usual features like text messages, audio and video chats, GIFs, memes and stickers. You can also find group chats with predefined topics for discussion. With Kik, you can meet new people or stay in touch only with your old friends.

Kik is a free and fast messaging app that handles group chats surprisingly well. The best part is that you don’t need a phone number to use this app, you can sign in using your email address. This makes Kik a good choice for people who are not comfortable sharing their numbers with others.

Kik is available for iPhone, Android devices and PC.

9. WeChat

Originally launched in 2011 under the name Weixin, the Chinese instant messaging app was renamed WeChat just a year later. WeChat is a social networking app that offers conferencing, gaming, and geotagging features in addition to regular messaging.

However, WeChat is not as popular outside of China, although anyone can use it. Perhaps this is because, unlike WhatsApp, it allows ads. Another issue with this messaging app is that many people have expressed concerns about data privacy. Third parties may monitor private conversations through this app, including the governments of the US, Taiwan, and India. WeChat is already known to censor important social and political issues in China.

10. Signal

If you’re looking for a safe and secure alternative to WhatsApp, Signal is for you. All traffic passing through this application is encrypted. In addition, the application does not keep any logs of its users and uses SSL/TLS protocols.

Signal is designed for secure messaging. You can even send self-destructing messages. The only downside is that it will ask you to enter your phone number to sign in, so Signal isn’t ideal if you want to remain anonymous.

Signal has a very user-friendly interface that won’t scare off the most technophobic people. It also has a Chrome plugin so you can use your computer for messaging. This is a free chat app developed by a non-profit organization. It was created by cryptography expert and WhatsApp co-founder Brian Acton, who turned down a relationship with Facebook because he didn’t like the company’s vision of what WhatsApp should be.

11. iMessage

iMessage is a good WhatsApp alternative, but only for your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. You can use it to send SMS messages to all phone numbers, no matter what app the recipients are using.

Like many other apps, iMessage supports text, video, and audio messages (but not video or audio calls), as well as group calls, GIFs, and images. In some countries, Apple Pay is available through this app.

In terms of security, Apple is true to its policy of not allowing governments backdoor access to iMessage. Your messages will be safe as long as others don’t have access to your iCloud backups.

12. Slack

A searchable log of all conversations and knowledge, or Slack for short, is a messaging platform specifically designed for work environments. It is convenient for groups and teams to communicate without using phone numbers or email. The older generation will appreciate the many IRC-like features of this app, such as private groups, chats or channels, and direct messaging.

The platform has been recently redesigned, making it very simple and user friendly. You can share files via Slack, but you can also search for content, people, and old conversations. It also supports emojis and GIFs to spice up your conversations and prank your digital cooler.

What makes this messaging platform great even for users outside of the workplace is its accessibility. Not only does it come as an app for iOS and Android phones, but it can also be downloaded for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It also has a web browser version and you can even install it on your Apple Watch.

13. Wickr Me

With Wickr Me, you can sync your messages across all your devices. But the most attractive feature of this messaging app is that you can set an expiration date for all your messages, be it text, images, or videos. And that’s not the only security feature it has. It also provides localized encryption and a separate key for each new message.

In addition to excellent security features, Wickr Me promises complete anonymity to its users and removes all metadata from all content sent through the app. With the launch of the desktop version in 2014, Wickr Me is available for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux.

What’s Your Favorite WhatsApp Alternative?

There are so many chat apps out there that it’s hard to keep track of them all. So let us know in the comments below what is your favorite WhatsApp alternative and what makes it so great.

The best alternative to WhatsApp in 2022

What is the best way to get channel points on twitch?

June 14, 2022 by feecalculator_x6rbod

What is the best way to get channel points on twitch?.

The Channel Points program is a rewards feature available to Twitch streamers that gives them the opportunity to engage their viewers and let them experience benefits that are normally only available to subscribers.

In this article, we’ll explain what Channel Points are, how to set them up on your Twitch channel, and how viewers can earn them.

What Are Channel Points on Twitch?

Twitch Channel Points is a rewards system available to all Twitch affiliates and partners that allows streamers to reward their viewers with perks for watching, subscribing, or participating in raids. These rewards are usually for subscribers and act as a teaser that can help encourage those who have not subscribed to continue watching and become regular viewers.

As a viewer earns Channel Points, they can be redeemed for any Channel Rewards the streamer has set up. These rewards include things like unlocking an emote, highlighting your message, or a custom reward that the streamer has included, such as a live dance.

To be able to set up Channel Points on your channel, you must be a member of the Twitch Partner Program. To be invited to the program, you need to have at least 50 subscribers, 500 minutes of streaming in the last 30 days, three or more average concurrent viewers, and at least seven days of unique streams.

How to Set Channel Points Up

Setting up Channel Points is very easy. Here’s how to do it:

Sign in to your Twitch account. Click the profile icon in the top right corner and select Contributor Panel from the drop-down menu.

Click on the three horizontal lines in the top left corner of the screen.

Select Thread Manager from the drop-down menu.

Click Viewer Rewards and then select Channel Points.

Check the “Enable Channel Points” box.

How to Customize Your Channel Points

Streamers can customize their Channel Points by giving them names, giving them unique icons, and controlling which rewards are available to their viewers.

To change the name and icon of Channel Points:

Go to the Channel Points menu as above.

Next to Customize Point Display, select Edit.

Here you can give your points a custom name by editing the field next to the point name.

You can also upload your own icon for your Channel Points by adding three images in the Display section.

To choose which rewards to include:

Go to the Channel Points menu as above.

Click Manage Rewards & Challenges. This will show you all the default rewards created by Twitch.

Include every award you want viewers to be able to receive. You can also change the value of each reward by changing the value in the Cost section.

To add custom rewards:

Click Create Custom Reward. In addition, you can browse the collection of custom rewards and select a new custom reward from it.

Add a custom name.

Enter a description.

Enter the desired reward value.

Add your own award icon by dragging the image into the award icon boxes.

Click Save to complete the reward.

How Can You Earn and Spend Channel Points?

As we mentioned above, viewers automatically earn points by watching their favorite channel live and following Twitch streamers. They can also earn points by participating in raids or by hitting periodic notifications.

Here is the bet breakdown by Channel Points system:

Watching: +10 points for 5 minutes of watching liveActive watching: +50 points for 15 minutes of watching live, click to use .Raid participation: +250 points.New subscribers: +300 points.Streak: Earn +300, +350, +400, +450 points respectively for 2-5 streams in a row.1st greeting: +350 points for the first greeting used every 30 days. 1st gift per subscription: +500 points for the first gift received every 30 days.

Note. Subscribers will receive a bonus points multiplier based on their level. Level 1 is 1.2x, level 2 is 1.4x, and level 3 is 2x.

To use Channel Points:

Click the Channel Points icon at the bottom of your favorite streamer’s chat window.

The Channel Points reward window will open showing how many points are needed to purchase the reward. If you haven’t been to the channel yet, it will say “Getting Started!”

Click on the desired reward, then click “Unlock”.

Back to the Stream

Adding Channel Points to your broadcast is a great way to grow your loyal following. Everyone loves free stuff and Channel Points are a great way to add unique and personalized rewards that your viewers will love.

What is the best way to get channel points on twitch?

Best Handy Google Calendar Keyboard Shortcuts 2022

June 14, 2022 by feecalculator_x6rbod

Best Handy Google Calendar Keyboard Shortcuts 2022.

Anyone using Google Calendar on a computer should learn at least some of the handy Google Calendar keyboard shortcuts. We’ll look at shortcuts to help you view, navigate, and work with your calendar more efficiently.

We discussed why Google Calendar is the best online calendar. Since then, we’ve discovered even more ways to integrate Google Calendar into your life, especially if you use Google Workspace. For example, if you want to add the weather to your calendar, use Gcal notifications to support Atomic Habits, or sync Slack with your Google calendar, we’ve got you covered. Many iPhone and Mac users have found that they like Google Calendar more than iCal.

Whether you use Google Calendar through Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Safari, or the web browser on your Linux machine, these keyboard shortcuts will make your work easier. There are not very many keyboard shortcuts, so with a little practice you should be able to remember them all, especially since many of them are standard keyboard shortcuts that you already use in other programs such as Microsoft Excel.

How to Turn on Keyboard Shortcuts in Google Calendar

You access Google Calendar through a web browser, so it doesn’t matter if you’re using a Windows PC, an Android device, or an Apple device. Please note that keyboard shortcuts only work when using a computer. These keyboard shortcuts will not work on your iPad.

You have to enable keyboard shortcuts in Google Calendar to make them work, unlike other Google apps like Google Docs or Gmail (or even Microsoft Office) where keyboard shortcuts work automatically.

To enable keyboard shortcuts in Google Calendar, follow these steps.

Open Google Calendar in a browser and sign in to your account.Tap the “Settings” icon in the upper right corner.Scroll down to the “Keyboard Shortcuts” section.Make sure the checkbox is checked Enable keyboard shortcuts installed.Scroll down and click Save.

6 Shortcuts for Viewing Your Google Calendar

There are six ways to view your Google calendar.

Day view

Week Review

Month view

Custom view. Set custom view in settings. Choose from 2 to 7 days or 2 to 4 weeks.

View schedule. Some people call this “Agenda View” because it shows you a list of upcoming events on your calendar.

Year view

So it’s no surprise that there are six keyboard shortcuts for changing the calendar view. If you are using shortcuts, you do not need to select the view from the drop down list. Each view has two keyboard shortcuts you can use.

Day view: press 1 or d Week view: press 2 or w Month view: press 3 or m Custom view: Press 4 or xSchedule view: press 5 or aYear view: press 6 or y

Shortcuts for Navigating Your Google Calendar

You can also use keyboard shortcuts to navigate the calendar.

Previous Period: Press p or k. For example, if you are viewing today’s calendar in Day view and press p or k, Google will display yesterday in Day view. If you are viewing the current month’s calendar in Month view and press p or k, it will switch to the previous period—in this case, the previous month.Next Period: Press n or j. As you understand, this label will display the next period in any active calendar view. So, if you are viewing 2022 in year view and press n or j, Google will display the calendar for 2023.Today: press t. We use this one all the time. No matter which date or range of dates you are viewing on the calendar, pressing t will take you back to the current day or range that includes today.Go to a date: press g. If you don’t want to select a date with your mouse in the tiny calendar on the left side of the Google Calendar app, you can press g instead. A pop-up window will appear where you can enter the specific date you want to view.

Shortcuts for Events on Your Google Calendar

Google Calendar uses its own set of keyboard shortcuts to create appointments and add event details.

Create event: press c.Edit event: press e.Delete event: press return or delete key.Undo last action (if possible): Ctrl + z or just z. Return to calendar view. Press the Esc key. For example, if you’re creating a new event and decide to discard it, press ESC to return to the calendar.Save the event: Ctrl + s or just s.

Application Shortcuts for Google Calendar

Here are some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts for Google Calendar.

Search: Press /. It’s easy to remember if you remember that it’s the same key as the question mark.Highlight the “Search people to meet” text box: Shift + = or +. Using this shortcut will allow you to quickly find people to add to the event. Once you find the person you want to meet, press Enter and a pop-up window will appear where you can schedule an event with the person or people of your choice.

Opening the create dialog: Press Shift + c or q. This shortcut opens a dialog where you can create a new event or task.

Print: press Ctrl + p.Settings: press s.Go to sidebar: press Alt + Ctrl + period or Alt + Ctrl + comma. This will change your cursor focus to a sidebar where you can navigate through options like Google Keep, Tasks, Contacts, and Google Maps. Press Enter to open the selected application in the sidebar. Mac users can use Command + Option + Period or Command + Option + Comma. And if you have a Chromebook, try Alt + Shift + period or Alt + Shift + comma. The sidebar is almost identical to the sidebar you might already be using in Google Drive.

Show information about a person or group. First, select a person in the Find People field. Then press Alt + Right Arrow and the contact card will appear.

How to View a List of All the Keyboard Shortcuts for Google Calendar

And here is the important bonus tag. If you can’t remember a shortcut, you can always press ? on your keyboard (Shift + /) to open a list of all keyboard shortcuts available to you in Google Calendar.

Best Handy Google Calendar Keyboard Shortcuts 2022

how to watch u.s. open golf 2022

June 14, 2022 by feecalculator_x6rbod

How to watch 2022 US Open Championship (Golf).how to watch u.s. open golf 2022.

The US Open returns to The Country Club in Brooklyn, Massachusetts for the first time since 1988. More than 156 players will compete for the title of champion. We’ll show you how to watch the US Open online anywhere. All you need is an internet connection and an internet-enabled device: phone, tablet, computer, smart TV, etc.

U.S. Open 2022 Schedule

The US Open Golf Championship is held every year in mid-June. The tournament will last four days – from June 16 to June 19, 2022. Here’s a summary of the 2022 US Open provisional schedule.

Contents Day/DateScheduleDay 1 – Thursday, June 16First Round Day 2 – Friday, June 17Second RoundDay 3 – Saturday, June 18Third RoundDay 4 – Sunday, June 19

Final

This schedule is subject to revision by the United States Golf Association (USGA). We will update the schedule if anything changes.

Channels Covering Live U.S. Open Golf

NBCUniversal will broadcast all four rounds of the 2022 US Open on its NBC and NBC Golf channels. The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) channel will broadcast the first, second, third and final rounds. NBC Golf will only broadcast the first, second and final rounds.

USGA and U.S. Open’s Website

You can stream the 2022 US Open live on the USGA website. Visit the USGA website on your computer’s web browser and see if you can find a link to view current games.

American Express has partnered with the USGA to stream the 2022 US Championships live through the US Open website. Live stream will start on June 16, 2022

Peacock TV

NBC owns Peacock TV. You can stream the US Open live without cable if you have a premium subscription. Peacock Premium is $4.99/month, and the Premium Plus subscription without ads is $9.99/month.

The Peacock TV app works on Android and iOS devices, game consoles, web browsers, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Roku, and more. See this Peacock TV support article for a complete list of supported streaming devices.

Sling TV

Sling TV is only available in the US, but you can bypass the geo-restriction by using a virtual private network (VPN). In the US, NBC is available on Sling TV in the following regions/markets: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Miami, and Hartford.

A Sling TV Blue subscription gives you access to NBC and 40 other channels. The subscription plan costs $25/month for the first month and $35/month thereafter.

Sling TV works on Android and iOS smartphones, Android TV, Apple TV and select Smart TV brands/models. You can access Sling TV through the Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari web browsers on Windows and Mac computers.

To stream to multiple devices at the same time, buy the Sling Orange & Blue plan. A subscription gives you access to more channels and simultaneous streaming on multiple devices.

YouTube TV

On YouTube TV, you can watch the 2022 US Open on NBC or NBC Golf. YouTube TV costs $64.99 per month and is only available to US residents. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, TunnelBear, and other popular VPN apps can unblock YouTube TV in regions outside the US.

Réseau Des Sports (RDS) and The Sports Network (TSN)

TSN and RDS are sister sports channels based in Canada. Both channels have digital subscriptions (TSN Direct and RDS Direct) that allow Canadians to stream sporting events without cable TV. Sports Network (TSN) broadcasts in English, while Réseau Des Sports (RDS) broadcasts events in French.

TSN Direct and RDS Direct will cost you $19.99 per month. There is no free trial period, so you need to buy a subscription in advance. The TSN app works on iOS and Android devices, Xbox One, Apple TV, and select Samsung SmartTVs.

On a computer, you can stream the golf tournament on the TSN website through Google Chrome, Safar, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.

Check out the TSN Golf Broadcast Schedule for more information on the 2022 US Open on the streaming platform.

fuboTV

On fuboTV, your location determines which subscriptions and channels are available to you. The streaming service operates in Canada, Spain, the United States, and within the United States. However, only US users can access fuboTV for $69.99 per month. Subscribers get a seven-day free trial for the first time.

Hulu

A Hulu Live TV subscription lets you stream live ESPN, ESPN2, NBC, and other sports channels. The basic Hulu + Live TV subscription (worth $69.99) is ad-supported, so you’ll see ads while streaming content. Subscribe to the Hulu (Ad-Free) + Live TV plan to watch the 2022 US Open on Hulu non-stop. The ad-free Live TV plan costs $75.99 per month.

New Hulu Live TV subscribers get a 7-day free trial. Please note that Hulu Live TV plans are only available to US residents. Use a VPN to bypass Hulu’s geo-blocking if you live in the US, on US military bases, or outside the US.

DirecTV Stream

The NBC Golf channel is available on the DirecTV (formerly AT&T TV) streaming platform. You need a DirecTV Stream subscription ($69.99/month) to watch U.S. Open on three devices.

DirecTV is only available in the US, but you can access the service from unsupported regions using a VPN.

Don’t Miss the Fun

Broadcast via the US Open website offers golf enthusiasts the free opportunity to watch a golf tournament without a cable. Try other streaming services if you are unable to stream on the US Open website in your area. Peacock TV offers the most affordable live coverage of US Open games, highlights and replays at $9.99 per month.

how to watch u.s. open golf 2022

how to watch u.s. open golf 2022