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
Guide: How to remove the red microphone icon on macOS
If you're on a Mac and you have a random red microphone with an x next to it, like that pictured below, don't panic! The culprit is the Logitech Options software. If you hit F9 on your keyboard the red microphone icon should auto-magically disappear. Hit F9 again, and it will come back (but I am guessing you don't want it back, which is why you are here). While you're here, if the F9 shortcut bothers you you should think about customizing Logitech Options. If you launch Logitech Options and click on your keyboard, you will get something like this ...
Guide: How to fix failed Windows 11 Updates (Works!)
If you use Windows, you've probably had the dreaded Windows Update fail error with some random error code. What's worse, no matter how many times you click "Retry" or "Troubleshoot" you get nowhere - well there is a fix, it takes less than a few minutes. First, try Windows Update Troubleshooter. To do this, Select Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Next, under Most frequent, select Windows Update > Run. If that doesn't work and if you can cut and paste, the below should fix your Windows Update fail problem. Click Start, and type Terminal. Right-click on Terminal (before it runs) and select "Run as Administrator" When prompted, select ...
Review: Real User Casio G Shock Move / Casio DW-H5600: Casio Smart Watch
The Casio G Shock DW-H5600 or Casio G Shock Move as it's known in the US, is a watch I have been eagerly awaiting since it was first rumored. In fact, I actively tracked rumors (see this page) and was refreshing the Casio USA website daily for updates. So I was VERY excited on May 3rd when US pre-orders opened. I picked up my Casio Black G Shock move for US$299+tax delivered, which may be the cost of being an early adopter as I'm sure the G Shock move will be on sale later in the year. The DW-H5600 is ...
How to fix Apple Home invites not being received / Apple Home invites not being sent (Works!)
If you change your WiFi network (either you decided to upgrade to an Eero or moved home), you often have to set up your Apple Homekit devices (again). Either way, you may find yourself in this weird position where the Apple Home app will not let you Invite People to be part of your home, or the people you invite to your Apple Home are not receiving invitations. There is a fix to this Apple Home invitation bug. It will need to be done on your own Apple device and the Apple device of other members of your household you ...
Lifehack: How to add Apple Music Radio Stations as Favorites (or Preset)
You may have listened to the Apple Music Radio stations if you use Apple Music. In a world where we all curate playlists, I enjoy Apple Music Radio in the car (using Apple Car Play). But, in a stunning UX design flaw, Apple doesn't give you a way to save Apple Music Radio stations as favorites or presets. Well, the GOOD NEWS is there is a hack to fix this... well it's more a workaround than a hack. Adding Apple Music Radio Stations as favorites or presets is easy and doesn't require a 3rd party app. It uses the native ...
Guide: How to get free plays on Nintendo Badge Arcade after March, 2023
Nintendo shut down the Nintendo 3DS eShop as of March 27th. As part of the shutdown, Nintendo Badge Arcade on the 3DS stopped giving away free plays on or around March 23rd, 2023. BUT! Don't despair! As of writing, you can still get free plays on Nintendo Badge Arcade on your 3DS There's no need to hack or jailbreak your Nintendo 3DS, just follow these steps. Launch Nintendo Badge Arcade Press the Left shoulder trigger button until you reach a screen called "Practice Catcher." In practice catcher, you get 5 attempts to catch the wooden practice badges. If you catch them ...
Lifehack: How to Access the Roku Secret Menu
I love my Roku. I own the Roku Ultra, which I recommend if you don't own a TV with Roku built-in. Anyway, you're here because you want to know how to access the Roku Secret menu, technically the Roku Secret 2 Menu. This is effectively the Konami Code for your Roku. Here's how to access the secret Roku menu: Start at the Roku Home Screen. Press Home 5 times. Press Up. Press Right. Press Down. Press Left. Press Up. You're done! You will now be in Roku's secret menu, giving you the ability to tweak the home screen ads, screen ...
Sticker Mule $10 Off First Order of Custom Stickers
I love Sticker Mule! If you want $10 off your first order, you're in the right place. It's easy as clicking on this link! And you'll get $10 off your first Sticker Mule order ...
