Blog

Joshua Lowcock sometimes blogs on non-work-related topics, most of which are posted below. For the more technically-skewed posts, you can find a list of those here. Separate from the blog, there is also a list of handy websites, lifehacks, and other useful tips here. For tips specific to macOS, you can find macOS tips here.

Joshua previously published a weekly email, called Last Week in Digital Media. The newsletter summarizes the latest news in digital media, marketing, and technology of the week. The email newsletter was published for several years and was available as both a (limited) free or paid subscription. The archive is still available.

If you’re after thought leadership pieces by Joshua, you can find them here.

Need something less serious? Go here for some fun!

Recent Blog Posts

The Best 100% Free RSS Reader for iPhone

I am a paid subscriber to a few email newsletters. Sometimes I am able to diligently read them as they arrive, other times, they get stuck in my inbox queue. Which is why I like using an RSS reader to catch up on both current and back issues. The problem is the iOS app store is littered with RSS readers that either have ads, in-app purchases, or require you to create an account. To be fair, I don't mind paying for apps, but paying without being able to see a proper video demo, or test a lite version is hit ...

Guide: Best Oculus Quest 2 Head Strap Alternative

I've owned an Oculus headset since the Oculus Go. These days I'm using the Oculus Quest 2. I can't justify the upgrade to the Quest 3, as much as I want one. I've bought more than a few of the non-official ones from Amazon, this is the best based on my tests and is less than half the price of the official pro head strap. To make the Oculus Quest 2 more comfortable and usable, you should get a Quest 2 Pro strap but at US$50+tax you may be looking for a cheaper but as good alternative. After scouring Amazon ...

Fix: How to Ungroup PowerPoint Images when Ungroup is Greyed Out

This fix works on both Windows and macOS and will show you how to ungroup PowerPoint images when Ungroup is greyed our or disabled. I was working on a PowerPoint presentation, and I was unable to Ungroup an image. The Ungroup option in PowerPoint was greyed out, as you can see below. The fix is super easy, all you need to do is scroll down and select the Unlock option. As long as the image is not a flat image, you will now be able to Ungroup the image. I hope this helps someone else! PS. Don't forget to lock ...

Guide: HP Printers Default Username and Default Password for the Web Interface

I own a compact HP Laser Multifunction Printer (scanner and printer) and it's a non-Instant Ink model (yay!). In my setup, it's connected over WiFi which I setup using the HP Smart app. But for day-to-day administrative tasks, using the HP Printer web interface always feels faster and means I can pull it up from my computer. The Default Username and Password for HP Printers If you're using a HP laser printer, here's what you need to know: The default HP Printer username is: admin The default HP Printer password is an eight (8) digit PIN, where do you find ...

Lifehack: Can you replace the battery on Tile Slim?

The short answer is no, but not to be dissuaded, I opened a Tile Slim I owned that had a dead battery. I opened my Tile Slim with a prying tool. Inside the Tile Slim, the bulk of the space is taken by a custom non-rechargeableCP114951 lithium battery. The exact battery model in the Tile Slim is: Brand: Utralife Model: CP114951 Capacity:  380wAh 3.1V The battery is very thin, like stick of gum thin and measures (L) 51.0mm x (W) 48.75mm x (T) 1.10mm. Inside the Tile Slim the battery is shielded by a piece of aluminum. The bulk of the ...

Guide: How to Factory Reset the JBL Link 10 (Works!)

The JBL Link 10 is a smart speaker from JBL that has Google Assistant built in and I am the proud owner of one. It is also IPX7 rated, making it a great portable smart speaker to use around the home. Unfortunately, JBL has discontinued the Link 10, but they still make other great speakers that you can find here. If you want a portable battery powered JBL speaker with Google Home or Alexa, JBL now only sells the premium JBL Authentics Series. But I digress! To reset your JBL Link 10 Smart Speaker Get a pin or paperclip. Open the ...

Guide: Microsoft Word macOS Purple Highlighted Text Fix (Works!)

A quick post, as this happened to me, and I was at a loss with what was going on with Microsoft Word. If you're on a Mac and in Microsoft Word, you have text that is highlighted purple (or Lavendar) like below: The fix is easy. This happens because comments are turned on. All you need to do is right click on the text, select "Go to Comment" and then when you see the comment (on the right-hand side of the document) click the X to close the comment. The purple highlight will disappear. Easy! I'm not sure why this ...

Lifehack: Best STAKE Referral Code 2024 (joshual442) Works! Free Stock!

Stake is an online trading platform that offers a commission-free stock trading platform that lets you trade ASX and US stocks. It's one of the few easy ways for Australians to trade NYSE and NASDAQ stocks. Jumping straight to the Stake referral code, use the referral code JOSHUAL442 to earn up to 1 free stock when you sign up. joshual442 is the best Stake Referral Code. How does this work? The joshual442 referral code will get you a Free Stake Sign Up Stock but you must open an account and complete all the steps to get the free Stake Stock ...
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