 Screen sharing software for mobile devices has become significantly more reliable over the last couple years, and we’ve had repeated success diagnosing issues and doing teaching over the course of a phone call where both of us can see your iPhone, Android, or iPad screen.
If you’re getting remote support from us for your iPhone or iPad, make sure to add our email address to your contacts list. The way that Apple’s screensharing technology (Facetime Audio) works, having our email address in your contacts will optionally allow you to provide us with a temporary remote control capability for your phone in addition to being able to see your screen, so we can take care of more complex issues for you. Having a call via FaceTime audio (which is an audio only call) has the added benefit of clearer and more reliable audio than a traditional phone call. Android users have options too. For screen sharing we offer the TeamViewer QuickSupport app. And for enhanced audio, we offer Google Meet as an option for improved audio versus a traditional phone call. Getting support over a call is the quickest and most cost-effective way to get support from us. But we can always make a house call when you prefer it.  We specialize in hands-on and remote teaching, setup, and software support, so it’s natural for us to refer to local technology repair shops when folks have a hardware problem such as a broken computer or smartphone. The Asheville area tech repair landscape has been changing lately, so here are a few updates.
Charlotte Street Computers, no longer handles Apple warranty repairs, but continues to offer out-of-warranty Mac repairs with certified Apple parts. They also provide Windows PC repair, but do not currently repair iPhones or iPads. uBreakiFix is a chain repair shop owned by insurance company Asurion that provides repairs for Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad, and Android. They have locations in South Asheville and Woodfin. If you have worked with uBreakiFix, we are curious to know how it went. Emergency Tech Repair is closed. We’ve all received text messages from people who aren’t in our contact list. But in today’s world, a seemingly innocent text could actually be a bot attempting to create a profile about you for the benefit of the cyber underworld. Click here to read Malwarebytes’ article on this subject.
People have been inundated with unprecedented amounts of call and text spam, and the most effective way to deal with it is to block text message communications from unwanted numbers and use the scam call blocker app provided by your cellular carrier. Many modern smartphones can also send unknown callers to voicemail, or unknown text messages to a mailbox that’s separate from the inbox for trusted senders in your contact list. Need help sorting the digital wheat from the chaff? We can help!  Welcome to residents of Harmony who recently attended our personal cybersecurity seminar, Staying Safe on the Internet.
Would you like to bring Jensen to your community to present on this topic? We offer the seminar at no charge, and always leave plenty of time for questions. Interested? Get in touch. We are pleased to announce a webpage that includes free resources for checking and freezing your credit profile. Click here to check it out!
 Computers and smartphones have become saturated with artificial intelligence (AI) features. While many people didn’t ask for this and would rather their programs work the way they always did, AI has become an unavoidable reality in tech. While there are still major questions to be answered regarding the environmental sustainability and social impacts of AI technology, now is also a good time to understand how to use AI for the greatest benefit and minimal harm.
One of the more dangerous ways to use AI is to ask “yes/no” questions where the asker expects AI to give a concrete answer with little or no context. A more productive way to interact with AI can be to pose more open-ended questions or ask for background information. You might consider AI as a reference librarian with vast background knowledge instead of an all-knowing entity that can provide conclusive advice. The bottom line is that the internet is at its best when it’s a catalyst for human curiosity and connection. Yet, the way society interacts with AI, many often look for easy answers to difficult questions. By keeping curiosity open and maintaining the human component of decision making, you can keep yourself protected from the “hallucinations” and wrong answers that AI conversations often provide. Check out this recent article in the New York Times that discusses this subject.  Tech Tuesday, the no-cost tech support offering during lunchtime at the Asheville Poverty Initiative's 12 Baskets Cafe, now has a webpage! Click the button below for details about the program and when you can visit the cafe to donate your used smartphone or tablet.
Tech Tuesday webpage Are you part of a group that would be open to having a technology donation box at the place where you congregate? Get in touch.  For folks hanging on to their Windows 10 computers, we’ve got good news for you: Microsoft is providing an additional year of security updates at no cost. Windows 10 can now receive security updates through October 12, 2027.
Emergency Tech Repair has moved from Patton Avenue to inside the Asheville Mall in East Asheville, near Auntie Anne’s pretzels. They continue to provide out-of-warranty repairs for Macs, PCs, smartphones, and tablets.
Charlotte Street Computers is no longer certified for Apple in-warranty repairs or AppleCare service. This means if you have an Apple device (e.g. Mac, iPhone, iPad) and it is in-warranty or covered by AppleCare, Charlotte Street Computers is no longer an option for covered repairs. They continue to provide out-of-warranty repairs for Mac and PC.
The only company in Asheville that still provides Apple in-warranty and AppleCare extended warranty repair is Best Buy on Tunnel Road. Alternative official Apple repair options include contacting Apple for by-mail device replacement or visiting the closest official Apple Store in Greenville, South Carolina. |
AuthorJensen Gelfond is the Founder of Asheville Digital Lifestyle. He helps people use their technology more effectively and joyfully. Categories
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