jstechassist

[jstechassist]

This HP laptop's network card had failed. No problems connecting to a LAN via ethernet but the wireless card had simply given up the ghost. After running some tests, trying to reinstall drivers etc, the easiest solution was to purchase a very affordable wireless USB adaptor off Amazon. Plug and play and she's back online 👍👨‍💻📶 Having issues with your computer, phone or anything else tech related? Message me for assistance today. #hplaptop #wifi #wifiadaptor #tech #adelaide #techtutor #computerrepair https://www.instagram.com/p/B7e6DmGDyVa/?igshid=zeado5nur1qh

[jstechassist]

May the resurrection of computers past begin. This old Dell XPS 15 L502X had served well but the HDD is struggling, there are a couple of dead keys on the keyboard, and could do with a RAM upgrade. Booted a fresh copy of Win10 on it and it seems to be running ok. Bit of tinkering and some new parts,and there's still a bit of life left in her. Fresh SSD, keyboard replacement, and RAM should do the trick. #dellxps #refurbishedcomputers #l502x #tech #techtutor #adelaide #dellcomputer #dell https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ZcW0Cj0ff/?igshid=js4gbyxhhvcy

[jstechassist]

How’s your Podcast game?

How's your Podcast game? From true crime, dramas, sports, comedy, science, news and education, a podcast is a great way to expand your mind. Of course they're well known, but if you haven't delved into this world, there are so many options available to you.

With the plethora of podcast apps in both the App and Play Stores, you'll never have another boring commute or gym session.

@pocketcasts is my go to, with great stats, archiving options, play next feature, and not forgetting it looks slick.

On Android, @googlepodcast, and @spotify also provide great podcast functions. Naturally, the native Apple podcasts app is a winner on the App store.

#podcasts #techtutor #adelaide #pocketcasts

[jstechassist]

From phones to wearables and audio. Contact me for a tech tutoring session today 📱🎧⌚ Blog now up too 😊 Link in bio. #techtutor #adelaide #technology #fitbit #android #bluetoothheadphones #googlepixel #wearables https://www.instagram.com/p/B7ConjODag7/?igshid=jeiw58p5vj2c

[jstechassist]

A few days ago, my partner's mother was posed with this spinning wheel of death on her iPhone 6. The device had overheated due to the extreme Adelaide weather, and was stuck on this boot screen. Some may not know, but this was quite the easy fix. Two steps at the most. 1. Let the device cool (take it inside) 2. Hold both the power and home screen down for 5-8 seconds and wait for the Apple logo to appear. The device will then reboot and you'll be back in business. If you're low on battery due to the phone draining itself, you'll just need to give it a charge. In hot weather, try to keep your phone out of direct sunlight for extended periods, especially while driving. Overheating is common notably in our climate. If your phone does shut down due to heat, take it inside and don't turn it back on until it is cool to the touch. https://www.instagram.com/p/B66wo_xDw43/?igshid=19jl2j2s7mux0

[jstechassist]

Why Google ditching the 4a XL is a good thing.

It is rumored that Google will be skipping it’s XL variant of the upcoming release of their second generation ‘budget’ smart, and as a self confessed Google fanboy, I’m totally ok with that.

The response to the Pixel 4 has been lacklustre to say the least, with many in the tech world criticising its uninspiring design, notably its hesitance to follow the lead of the likes of Samsung in adopting a bezel-less front screen. I for one however, having used the 4XL since its release, think it’s a great phone, and still one of the best in the market despite the hefty price tag, and somewhat beta functions (motion sense, I’m looking at you). After all, the Pixel is really about having that native Android experience, where the software experience trumps the hardware. The second generation “a” variant of Google’s flagship still provides consumers with that great software and camera experience, with the main compromise being the build quality (plastic vs glass) and some internals. If that means consumers can experience all the good stuff at a lower price point, that’s great! 

So all rumours point to the XL variant being left out of the upcoming “a” release. The larger screen in my opinion should not be compromised by a cheaper build quality. Apple haven’t done a budget ‘Max’ device, and Samsung (until now) have never done a lite version of the Note. In my opinion, this is a good marketing ploy by Google. It places Google amongst its competitors, and for the time being at least, gives the XL a premium identity. 

Google has also had a habit during the Pixel’s evolution to go against the grain to simply jump back in line with the competition, and I feel like that’s simply being cautious. The 3.5 headphone jack was a notable omission from the Pixel 2 range after the inaugural Pixel’s marketing bragged of its existence, then the free photo backups forever was ditched at the release of the Pixel 4. By this notion, an XL variant of their budget device misaligns Google with their competition. They’re simply getting onto a level playing field so as to not confuse the market.

So, back to the 4a. Is it worth purchasing one albeit without that larger screen? Short answer, yes….

At the time of writing, the Pixel 3 on the Google store comes in at a starting price point of $1199 AUD, where as the Pixel 3a sits just under half that price at $649 AUD. On price alone, the “a” variant is almost a no brainer. Sure, you miss out on wireless charging, and that premium glass feel, but the main selling points of the Pixel are there. Best in class software, with one of the best cameras in the smartphone world.

If the 4a can live up to the benefits (and price ) of the 3a, as far as Android goes it’s poses some good value.

[jstechassist]

The best beach companion whether going solo or with friends is a quality Bluetooth speaker. I'm rocking the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 3 through a Google Pixel 4XL. Amazing battery life, great sound especially bass, and not compromising the peace of my fellow beach goers. Now playing: @doublejradio via TuneIn Tunes ✅ Vibes ✅ Sun ✅ Sand ✅ #bluetoothspeaker#ultimateears #megaboom3 #portnoarlunga #sabeaches #technology #techtutor #adelaide #sunandfun (at Port Noarlunga, South Australia, Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6o7Q9CD6Qg/?igshid=pi87ajf87l88

[jstechassist]

Oh, hi there!

Do you know anyone that you've always counted on to help out with your slow computer, your buggy smartphone, or TV setup? That geek that always knows what's better for you between the latest Galaxy, Pixel or iPhone (let alone knows what they are)? That one person that always manages to fix the most frustrating thing that's irritated you about your phone for weeks, seemingly instantly like one of those freaks of nature solving a Rubick's cube in record time... blindfolded?

Hi there *waving enthusiastically*, I'm Josh, and this is JS Tech Assist.

Since I can recall, I've always been that 'go to guy.' Whether it's standing by the barbecue at a family get together, at the pub with friends, even at work (and I work in for an IT&T company!), I'm always quizzed on all things tech. And that, I'm OK with. In fact, I love tech. I always have.

I’ve been a bit of a 'buff' since my first interactions with computing. There’s something intriguing to me about enhancing everyday life with technology. Our phones, tablets and laptops are now for many of us the first and last thing we look at everyday. They’re our connection to the outside world. They’re our way of keeping in touch with friends through social media, our simplest form of accessing entertainment such as video and music, getting our work done efficiently, as well as gaming. And now, the advent of IoT (The internet of things) means our lives will be even further embedded with 'smart' technology on a daily basis. Of course there’s times where distancing ourselves from tech is a good thing, but if used well, life can be fun and vastly simpler with it.

The purpose behind this blog is to post articles, reviews and quick tutorials on tech related topics, but you can also book my services via my Facebook page. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, I provide both face to face and virtual personalised tech assistance, helping you with your phone, tablet, computer, TV, whatever! So, If you or someone you know just doesn't know where to start, or just need some tips, get in touch!

Cheers, Josh