August 2020 News: Google Photos 2020, Chromebooks, Using our Website

Published: Fri, 08/07/20

August 2020 | Issue 156 | Archives

What's Up with Jim and Chris - the Geeks?

July was yet another full month of self-isolation, but we got away on the first day of mini-season for catching lobster. Here's our album all about Kayak Diving.

Just because we're stuck at home doesn't mean we're not teaching. We presented two remote seminars over Zoom

What Does This Button Do?

We added two new episodes to our YouTube "Button" shows in July.

Tutorial Videos - for members

We also added several new short show-me videos for Google Photos. See the complete list here.

Members Only Zoom meeting with David Lieb from Google

We had a very special members-only meeting with the head of the Google Photos development team at Google. David Lieb was a joy and answered all our questions. See the replay video here.

What's coming up - Our Calendar

Sunday, August 9 2pm ET What Does This Button Do?
Social Media tips for clubs and groups: Guest - Martin Brossman

August 9 3pm ET Backstage Pass Zoom for Premium Members

Sunday, August 23 2pm ET What Does This Button Do?

August 23 3pm ET Backstage Pass Zoom for Premium Members

Wednesday, September 2 Sarasota Computer Club remote seminar

We're still isolating at home in Fort Lauderdale.

All personal public appearances are cancelled for the foreseeable future.

Live YouTube Shows Sunday at 2pm Eastern time. Most weeks.

If we don't do a live Button Show, we'll do a Member Zoom at 2pm Eastern.

Live Zoom meetings for Premium Members after the live shows. Watch your email for announcements of scheduled shows.

Stay safe. Wash your hands. Wear a mask.

Ask the Geeks Q&A forum. Anyone can read the forum, only members can ask questions. This is a valuable benefit of membership. Join Today! Here are some recent discussions:

Learn Google Photos 2020

First came the book "Mrs. Geek's Guide to Google Photos", then came "Mrs. Geek's Guide to Google Photos - Second Edition" Now, we are announcing "Learn Google Photos 2020" The book will be available for purchase by September 1.

Here is a list of the chapters:

Introduction
Chapter 1: Your Google Account
Chapter 2: Getting started on mobile devices
Chapter 3: Collecting the rest of your life’s photos and videos
Chapter 4: Getting Around in Google Photos
Chapter 5: Exploring your photo library
Chapter 6: Keeping your memories safe
Chapter 7: Editing to improve your photos
Chapter 8: Organizing with Albums and Favorites
Chapter 9: Sharing
Chapter 10: Surrounding yourself with your photos and creations
Chapter 11: Troubleshooting and getting help
Chapter 12: Apple Photos and iCloud vs Google Photos

Using Chromebooks for photo editing

I have now bought my third Chromebook, ASUS Chromebook Flip C302. It cost $600. It’s fast. It boots up in a split second. The battery lasts all day. All I have to do is log in with my Google account and I have all my stuff. My Google Photos, Google Drive files, Gmail, and anything I can access from a web browser is all there. My Chromebook is my “couch computer” – I especially like it for all my entertainment channels. I find shows to watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO etc. and use Chromecast to watch them on the living room TV.

Because the Chromebook can run Android apps as well as browser-based apps, it is perfect for editing photos with Google Photos and Snapseed.

How to use our website to learn smartphones

The GeeksOnTour.com website is like a large library. We have archives full of 45 minute YouTube Shows, 5 minute tutorial videos, and 13 years worth of newsletters and articles.

This article is all about how to find what you need.

Let's say you want to learn more about your smartphone. First of all, Chris has compiled a checklist of the things that are important to know about your phone. She calls it the Smartphone Skills Checklist - it's a 2 page handout. The first page of the handout explains how the website is organized; what parts of it are free for all, and what parts are for members only. The checklist is the 2d page. For most every skill she has listed one of our YouTube shows (s) or Tutorial videos (v) or articles (search for it). That will help you learn that skill.

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