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Anker’s newest power station is a good mix of power and portability

Anker’s newest power station is a good mix of power and portability

Anker just took the wraps off its new Solix F3000 power station that’s portable enough for vanlife, and powerful and scalable enough for life at home. The system recharges in a variety of ways including by solar panels, an EV charger, and gas generator with full passthrough to simultaneously power most household devices. This giant rolling battery can power critical devices — or even a whole home — during extended blackouts, reduce monthly energy bills when plugged into the home’s circuitry, or extend road trips when traveling well beyond the electrical grid.

The F3000 is built around a 3.1kWh LFP battery and inverter that converts all that stored energy into up to 3,600W of 120V AC output. You can add three additional 3.1kWh expansion batteries to it for 12kWh of total capacity. For reference, a typical US home consumes about 889kWh per month, or about 29.2kWh per day. But not every device is needed during a blackout, and vanlifers require far less capacity and power (I use about 1.6kWh per day in my own van).

You can also tie two F3000 power stations together with an optional hub to boost output to 240V / 7200W if you need to power heavy-duty AC appliances like water pumps and home air conditioners. Naturally, this power station is also slathered in outlets, including two USB-A and two 100W USB-C ports, four 20A AC, one 30A AC, and a single 12V cigarette socket. Unfortunately, I’m not seeing any mention of a high wattage 12V output (like an Anderson port) for easy integration with an RV’s electrical system.

The integrated wheels help you relocate the F3000 to the kitchen, bedroom, or picnic table — wherever you need power. Anker doesn’t provide a weight, but 3kWh power stations with these specs are usually around 80 to 90 pounds. There’s also no mention of fan noise, which can be bothersome on some power stations.

The Solix F3000 accepts up to 2400W of solar charging via 165V and 60V inputs when the sun is shining. Otherwise, it can be charged (with optional adapter) by a 120V gas-powered generator while simultaneously delivering up 3600W appliances to devices plugged directly into the unit. That little trick is even more magical when the power station is connected to the house via a bidirectional inlet box and smart meter (both sold separately) that ties the power station directly to your home’s circuitry. It means you can scale back on your whole home battery backup array (saving you lots of money) while still having the peace of mind that you can withstand an extended blackout for as long as you have liquid fuel and the ability to withstand all that noise and stink.

Notably, Anker says that the F3000 is super efficient in a new sleep mode, which reduces idle energy drain to 24.4W when powering low-wattage devices like fans and computers. That means the power station’s battery should last over five days with the inverter on but sleeping, or almost two days when powering a home fridge. Overlanders who spend weeks off the grid will welcome that efficiency.

The Anker Solix F3000 lists for $2,499 with each additional battery priced at $1,499. Accessories include the Solix Smart Meter ($199), EV Charging Adapter ($99), TT-30 Charging Cable ($49), and Double Voltage Hub ($199). Discounts are available now before sales begin on June 25th at the full retail price.

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#Ankers #newest #power #station #good #mix #power #portability

is one of those movies you want to see again and again. Or, maybe, it’s a movie your kids are forcing you to see again and again. Either way, if you’ve already seen it and want a new experience, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie have you covered. io9 can exclusively reveal that Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton has teamed up with the app TheaterEars to release a special, in-theater director’s commentary for the Disney Pixar hit, and it’ll be available on July 3.

Toy Story is the franchise that made millions of us fall in love with the movies, so there’s no better film to bring the Director’s Experience into animation for the first time,” Dan Mangru, the CEO of TheaterEars, said in a press release. “Sitting in a theater and hearing Andrew Stanton walk through how the film was made, synced right to the screen, is exactly the kind of experience we built this for.”

This is the third such commentary to come to TheaterEars this year. The first one was by directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller for Project Hail Mary (which comes to streaming this week), and the other was with Jon Favreau for The Mandalorian and Grogu. Toy Story 5 marks the company’s first animated feature.

“Every frame of Toy Story 5 holds a decision the audience never sees,” Stanton said. “Getting to talk through those choices while people are watching the movie in a theater, that’s a way of sharing the work I’ve never had before, and I think fans are going to love hearing where these moments came from.”

So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty simple. You download the TheaterEars app, you go see Toy Story 5, and you open the app. Here’s a fun graphic to further illustrate.

‘Toy Story 5’ Gets an In-Theater Director’s Commentary This Weekend (Exclusive)
                Toy Story 5 is one of those movies you want to see again and again. Or, maybe, it’s a movie your kids are forcing you to see again and again. Either way, if you’ve already seen it and want a new experience, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie have you covered. io9 can exclusively reveal that Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton has teamed up with the app TheaterEars to release a special, in-theater director’s commentary for the Disney Pixar hit, and it’ll be available on July 3. “Toy Story is the franchise that made millions of us fall in love with the movies, so there’s no better film to bring the Director’s Experience into animation for the first time,” Dan Mangru, the CEO of TheaterEars, said in a press release. “Sitting in a theater and hearing Andrew Stanton walk through how the film was made, synced right to the screen, is exactly the kind of experience we built this for.” This is the third such commentary to come to TheaterEars this year. The first one was by directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller for Project Hail Mary (which comes to streaming this week), and the other was with Jon Favreau for The Mandalorian and Grogu. Toy Story 5 marks the company’s first animated feature.

 “Every frame of Toy Story 5 holds a decision the audience never sees,” Stanton said. “Getting to talk through those choices while people are watching the movie in a theater, that’s a way of sharing the work I’ve never had before, and I think fans are going to love hearing where these moments came from.”

 So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty simple. You download the TheaterEars app, you go see Toy Story 5, and you open the app. Here’s a fun graphic to further illustrate. © TheaterEars Oh, and if you’re like me and the first thing you thought is “What if I hit play at the wrong time?” Don’t worry. According to TheaterEars, “the app listens for the film’s audio to sync the commentary track to the exact moment on screen.” Oh, technology. Usually, you have to wait until a film comes home to hear a director’s commentary, so it’s pretty awesome that these are starting to happen when a film is still in theaters. As long as you are discreet with using your phone and keep the commentary at a suitable volume, of course. Let’s be respectable about this.

 Have you tried a TheaterEars director’s commentary yet? Let us know below.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Toy #Story #InTheater #Directors #Commentary #Weekend #ExclusiveAndrew Stanton,TheaterEars,Toy Story 5
© TheaterEars

Oh, and if you’re like me and the first thing you thought is “What if I hit play at the wrong time?” Don’t worry. According to TheaterEars, “the app listens for the film’s audio to sync the commentary track to the exact moment on screen.” Oh, technology.

Usually, you have to wait until a film comes home to hear a director’s commentary, so it’s pretty awesome that these are starting to happen when a film is still in theaters. As long as you are discreet with using your phone and keep the commentary at a suitable volume, of course. Let’s be respectable about this.

Have you tried a TheaterEars director’s commentary yet? Let us know below.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Toy #Story #InTheater #Directors #Commentary #Weekend #ExclusiveAndrew Stanton,TheaterEars,Toy Story 5">‘Toy Story 5’ Gets an In-Theater Director’s Commentary This Weekend (Exclusive)
                Toy Story 5 is one of those movies you want to see again and again. Or, maybe, it’s a movie your kids are forcing you to see again and again. Either way, if you’ve already seen it and want a new experience, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie have you covered. io9 can exclusively reveal that Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton has teamed up with the app TheaterEars to release a special, in-theater director’s commentary for the Disney Pixar hit, and it’ll be available on July 3. “Toy Story is the franchise that made millions of us fall in love with the movies, so there’s no better film to bring the Director’s Experience into animation for the first time,” Dan Mangru, the CEO of TheaterEars, said in a press release. “Sitting in a theater and hearing Andrew Stanton walk through how the film was made, synced right to the screen, is exactly the kind of experience we built this for.” This is the third such commentary to come to TheaterEars this year. The first one was by directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller for Project Hail Mary (which comes to streaming this week), and the other was with Jon Favreau for The Mandalorian and Grogu. Toy Story 5 marks the company’s first animated feature.

 “Every frame of Toy Story 5 holds a decision the audience never sees,” Stanton said. “Getting to talk through those choices while people are watching the movie in a theater, that’s a way of sharing the work I’ve never had before, and I think fans are going to love hearing where these moments came from.”

 So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty simple. You download the TheaterEars app, you go see Toy Story 5, and you open the app. Here’s a fun graphic to further illustrate. © TheaterEars Oh, and if you’re like me and the first thing you thought is “What if I hit play at the wrong time?” Don’t worry. According to TheaterEars, “the app listens for the film’s audio to sync the commentary track to the exact moment on screen.” Oh, technology. Usually, you have to wait until a film comes home to hear a director’s commentary, so it’s pretty awesome that these are starting to happen when a film is still in theaters. As long as you are discreet with using your phone and keep the commentary at a suitable volume, of course. Let’s be respectable about this.

 Have you tried a TheaterEars director’s commentary yet? Let us know below.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Toy #Story #InTheater #Directors #Commentary #Weekend #ExclusiveAndrew Stanton,TheaterEars,Toy Story 5

you want to see again and again. Or, maybe, it’s a movie your kids are forcing you to see again and again. Either way, if you’ve already seen it and want a new experience, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie have you covered. io9 can exclusively reveal that Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton has teamed up with the app TheaterEars to release a special, in-theater director’s commentary for the Disney Pixar hit, and it’ll be available on July 3.

Toy Story is the franchise that made millions of us fall in love with the movies, so there’s no better film to bring the Director’s Experience into animation for the first time,” Dan Mangru, the CEO of TheaterEars, said in a press release. “Sitting in a theater and hearing Andrew Stanton walk through how the film was made, synced right to the screen, is exactly the kind of experience we built this for.”

This is the third such commentary to come to TheaterEars this year. The first one was by directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller for Project Hail Mary (which comes to streaming this week), and the other was with Jon Favreau for The Mandalorian and Grogu. Toy Story 5 marks the company’s first animated feature.

“Every frame of Toy Story 5 holds a decision the audience never sees,” Stanton said. “Getting to talk through those choices while people are watching the movie in a theater, that’s a way of sharing the work I’ve never had before, and I think fans are going to love hearing where these moments came from.”

So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty simple. You download the TheaterEars app, you go see Toy Story 5, and you open the app. Here’s a fun graphic to further illustrate.

‘Toy Story 5’ Gets an In-Theater Director’s Commentary This Weekend (Exclusive)
                Toy Story 5 is one of those movies you want to see again and again. Or, maybe, it’s a movie your kids are forcing you to see again and again. Either way, if you’ve already seen it and want a new experience, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie have you covered. io9 can exclusively reveal that Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton has teamed up with the app TheaterEars to release a special, in-theater director’s commentary for the Disney Pixar hit, and it’ll be available on July 3. “Toy Story is the franchise that made millions of us fall in love with the movies, so there’s no better film to bring the Director’s Experience into animation for the first time,” Dan Mangru, the CEO of TheaterEars, said in a press release. “Sitting in a theater and hearing Andrew Stanton walk through how the film was made, synced right to the screen, is exactly the kind of experience we built this for.” This is the third such commentary to come to TheaterEars this year. The first one was by directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller for Project Hail Mary (which comes to streaming this week), and the other was with Jon Favreau for The Mandalorian and Grogu. Toy Story 5 marks the company’s first animated feature.

 “Every frame of Toy Story 5 holds a decision the audience never sees,” Stanton said. “Getting to talk through those choices while people are watching the movie in a theater, that’s a way of sharing the work I’ve never had before, and I think fans are going to love hearing where these moments came from.”

 So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty simple. You download the TheaterEars app, you go see Toy Story 5, and you open the app. Here’s a fun graphic to further illustrate. © TheaterEars Oh, and if you’re like me and the first thing you thought is “What if I hit play at the wrong time?” Don’t worry. According to TheaterEars, “the app listens for the film’s audio to sync the commentary track to the exact moment on screen.” Oh, technology. Usually, you have to wait until a film comes home to hear a director’s commentary, so it’s pretty awesome that these are starting to happen when a film is still in theaters. As long as you are discreet with using your phone and keep the commentary at a suitable volume, of course. Let’s be respectable about this.

 Have you tried a TheaterEars director’s commentary yet? Let us know below.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Toy #Story #InTheater #Directors #Commentary #Weekend #ExclusiveAndrew Stanton,TheaterEars,Toy Story 5
© TheaterEars

Oh, and if you’re like me and the first thing you thought is “What if I hit play at the wrong time?” Don’t worry. According to TheaterEars, “the app listens for the film’s audio to sync the commentary track to the exact moment on screen.” Oh, technology.

Usually, you have to wait until a film comes home to hear a director’s commentary, so it’s pretty awesome that these are starting to happen when a film is still in theaters. As long as you are discreet with using your phone and keep the commentary at a suitable volume, of course. Let’s be respectable about this.

Have you tried a TheaterEars director’s commentary yet? Let us know below.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Toy #Story #InTheater #Directors #Commentary #Weekend #ExclusiveAndrew Stanton,TheaterEars,Toy Story 5">‘Toy Story 5’ Gets an In-Theater Director’s Commentary This Weekend (Exclusive)

Toy Story 5 is one of those movies you want to see again and again. Or, maybe, it’s a movie your kids are forcing you to see again and again. Either way, if you’ve already seen it and want a new experience, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie have you covered. io9 can exclusively reveal that Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton has teamed up with the app TheaterEars to release a special, in-theater director’s commentary for the Disney Pixar hit, and it’ll be available on July 3.

Toy Story is the franchise that made millions of us fall in love with the movies, so there’s no better film to bring the Director’s Experience into animation for the first time,” Dan Mangru, the CEO of TheaterEars, said in a press release. “Sitting in a theater and hearing Andrew Stanton walk through how the film was made, synced right to the screen, is exactly the kind of experience we built this for.”

This is the third such commentary to come to TheaterEars this year. The first one was by directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller for Project Hail Mary (which comes to streaming this week), and the other was with Jon Favreau for The Mandalorian and Grogu. Toy Story 5 marks the company’s first animated feature.

“Every frame of Toy Story 5 holds a decision the audience never sees,” Stanton said. “Getting to talk through those choices while people are watching the movie in a theater, that’s a way of sharing the work I’ve never had before, and I think fans are going to love hearing where these moments came from.”

So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty simple. You download the TheaterEars app, you go see Toy Story 5, and you open the app. Here’s a fun graphic to further illustrate.

‘Toy Story 5’ Gets an In-Theater Director’s Commentary This Weekend (Exclusive)
                Toy Story 5 is one of those movies you want to see again and again. Or, maybe, it’s a movie your kids are forcing you to see again and again. Either way, if you’ve already seen it and want a new experience, Woody, Buzz, and Jessie have you covered. io9 can exclusively reveal that Toy Story 5 director Andrew Stanton has teamed up with the app TheaterEars to release a special, in-theater director’s commentary for the Disney Pixar hit, and it’ll be available on July 3. “Toy Story is the franchise that made millions of us fall in love with the movies, so there’s no better film to bring the Director’s Experience into animation for the first time,” Dan Mangru, the CEO of TheaterEars, said in a press release. “Sitting in a theater and hearing Andrew Stanton walk through how the film was made, synced right to the screen, is exactly the kind of experience we built this for.” This is the third such commentary to come to TheaterEars this year. The first one was by directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller for Project Hail Mary (which comes to streaming this week), and the other was with Jon Favreau for The Mandalorian and Grogu. Toy Story 5 marks the company’s first animated feature.

 “Every frame of Toy Story 5 holds a decision the audience never sees,” Stanton said. “Getting to talk through those choices while people are watching the movie in a theater, that’s a way of sharing the work I’ve never had before, and I think fans are going to love hearing where these moments came from.”

 So how does it work? Well, it’s pretty simple. You download the TheaterEars app, you go see Toy Story 5, and you open the app. Here’s a fun graphic to further illustrate. © TheaterEars Oh, and if you’re like me and the first thing you thought is “What if I hit play at the wrong time?” Don’t worry. According to TheaterEars, “the app listens for the film’s audio to sync the commentary track to the exact moment on screen.” Oh, technology. Usually, you have to wait until a film comes home to hear a director’s commentary, so it’s pretty awesome that these are starting to happen when a film is still in theaters. As long as you are discreet with using your phone and keep the commentary at a suitable volume, of course. Let’s be respectable about this.

 Have you tried a TheaterEars director’s commentary yet? Let us know below.  Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.      #Toy #Story #InTheater #Directors #Commentary #Weekend #ExclusiveAndrew Stanton,TheaterEars,Toy Story 5
© TheaterEars

Oh, and if you’re like me and the first thing you thought is “What if I hit play at the wrong time?” Don’t worry. According to TheaterEars, “the app listens for the film’s audio to sync the commentary track to the exact moment on screen.” Oh, technology.

Usually, you have to wait until a film comes home to hear a director’s commentary, so it’s pretty awesome that these are starting to happen when a film is still in theaters. As long as you are discreet with using your phone and keep the commentary at a suitable volume, of course. Let’s be respectable about this.

Have you tried a TheaterEars director’s commentary yet? Let us know below.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Toy #Story #InTheater #Directors #Commentary #Weekend #ExclusiveAndrew Stanton,TheaterEars,Toy Story 5
When you’re jumping between the many different apps Google offers—Gmail, Google Maps, Google Calendar, YouTube, and all the rest—you may not be giving much thought to the Google account that underpins them all or to the myriad settings you can access that help to define your experience across all these apps.

If you’ve never opened up your Google account page on the web or on your phone, there are a host of options to browse through there. They cover everything from data security and browsing history to the backup email Google needs in case you ever get locked out of your account.

Here we’re going to focus on seven of the lesser-known settings: the ones that don’t necessarily get a lot of attention but which are still an important part of how your account and your Google apps operate. It’s worth spending a few minutes to review these and to make sure they’re set up in the way you’d like.

Also pause to consider how much personal information you want to share with Google, or how much of your information you’re making visible on the web. Let your own level of comfort guide your decisions on how you tweak these settings.

The starting point for all these settings is your Google account page on the web.

Set Your Home and Work Addresses

Google will use the information about where you live and work to personalize your experience. This is most useful in Google Maps, because it means you can get directions back home or to your office with a single tap rather than typing in the address each time. (You should see Home and Work shortcuts appear whenever you search for a destination.)

There are benefits for getting more accurate weather forecasts and more relevant search results too. The usual Google privacy policy rules apply: No one else will see the address information you’ve saved, but you might start seeing more ads for sandwich shops in your local area.

To set these addresses from your Google account page, click Personal info and then either Home address or Work address. You can either type out the address manually, or select a location on a map.

Edit Your Google Profile Information

Settings for your Google Profile Information

Settings for your Google Profile Information

Courtesy of David Nield

You may not think about your Google account in the same way as a Facebook or Instagram profile, but Google does share bits of information about you with other people. If you send someone an email through Gmail, they can click on your profile photo and see whatever’s public on your Google account page. Similarly, if you leave a review on Google Maps, the viewers of that review can tap on your name or picture and see any public information on your Google account page.

#LesserKnown #Google #Account #Settings #Changegoogle,how-to,tips,privacy,gmail,google maps">7 Lesser-Known Google Account Settings You Should ChangeWhen you’re jumping between the many different apps Google offers—Gmail, Google Maps, Google Calendar, YouTube, and all the rest—you may not be giving much thought to the Google account that underpins them all or to the myriad settings you can access that help to define your experience across all these apps.If you’ve never opened up your Google account page on the web or on your phone, there are a host of options to browse through there. They cover everything from data security and browsing history to the backup email Google needs in case you ever get locked out of your account.Here we’re going to focus on seven of the lesser-known settings: the ones that don’t necessarily get a lot of attention but which are still an important part of how your account and your Google apps operate. It’s worth spending a few minutes to review these and to make sure they’re set up in the way you’d like.Also pause to consider how much personal information you want to share with Google, or how much of your information you’re making visible on the web. Let your own level of comfort guide your decisions on how you tweak these settings.The starting point for all these settings is your Google account page on the web.Set Your Home and Work AddressesGoogle will use the information about where you live and work to personalize your experience. This is most useful in Google Maps, because it means you can get directions back home or to your office with a single tap rather than typing in the address each time. (You should see Home and Work shortcuts appear whenever you search for a destination.)There are benefits for getting more accurate weather forecasts and more relevant search results too. The usual Google privacy policy rules apply: No one else will see the address information you’ve saved, but you might start seeing more ads for sandwich shops in your local area.To set these addresses from your Google account page, click Personal info and then either Home address or Work address. You can either type out the address manually, or select a location on a map.Edit Your Google Profile InformationSettings for your Google Profile Information
Courtesy of David NieldYou may not think about your Google account in the same way as a Facebook or Instagram profile, but Google does share bits of information about you with other people. If you send someone an email through Gmail, they can click on your profile photo and see whatever’s public on your Google account page. Similarly, if you leave a review on Google Maps, the viewers of that review can tap on your name or picture and see any public information on your Google account page.#LesserKnown #Google #Account #Settings #Changegoogle,how-to,tips,privacy,gmail,google maps

Google offers—Gmail, Google Maps, Google Calendar, YouTube, and all the rest—you may not be giving much thought to the Google account that underpins them all or to the myriad settings you can access that help to define your experience across all these apps.

If you’ve never opened up your Google account page on the web or on your phone, there are a host of options to browse through there. They cover everything from data security and browsing history to the backup email Google needs in case you ever get locked out of your account.

Here we’re going to focus on seven of the lesser-known settings: the ones that don’t necessarily get a lot of attention but which are still an important part of how your account and your Google apps operate. It’s worth spending a few minutes to review these and to make sure they’re set up in the way you’d like.

Also pause to consider how much personal information you want to share with Google, or how much of your information you’re making visible on the web. Let your own level of comfort guide your decisions on how you tweak these settings.

The starting point for all these settings is your Google account page on the web.

Set Your Home and Work Addresses

Google will use the information about where you live and work to personalize your experience. This is most useful in Google Maps, because it means you can get directions back home or to your office with a single tap rather than typing in the address each time. (You should see Home and Work shortcuts appear whenever you search for a destination.)

There are benefits for getting more accurate weather forecasts and more relevant search results too. The usual Google privacy policy rules apply: No one else will see the address information you’ve saved, but you might start seeing more ads for sandwich shops in your local area.

To set these addresses from your Google account page, click Personal info and then either Home address or Work address. You can either type out the address manually, or select a location on a map.

Edit Your Google Profile Information

Settings for your Google Profile Information

Settings for your Google Profile Information

Courtesy of David Nield

You may not think about your Google account in the same way as a Facebook or Instagram profile, but Google does share bits of information about you with other people. If you send someone an email through Gmail, they can click on your profile photo and see whatever’s public on your Google account page. Similarly, if you leave a review on Google Maps, the viewers of that review can tap on your name or picture and see any public information on your Google account page.

#LesserKnown #Google #Account #Settings #Changegoogle,how-to,tips,privacy,gmail,google maps">7 Lesser-Known Google Account Settings You Should Change

When you’re jumping between the many different apps Google offers—Gmail, Google Maps, Google Calendar, YouTube, and all the rest—you may not be giving much thought to the Google account that underpins them all or to the myriad settings you can access that help to define your experience across all these apps.

If you’ve never opened up your Google account page on the web or on your phone, there are a host of options to browse through there. They cover everything from data security and browsing history to the backup email Google needs in case you ever get locked out of your account.

Here we’re going to focus on seven of the lesser-known settings: the ones that don’t necessarily get a lot of attention but which are still an important part of how your account and your Google apps operate. It’s worth spending a few minutes to review these and to make sure they’re set up in the way you’d like.

Also pause to consider how much personal information you want to share with Google, or how much of your information you’re making visible on the web. Let your own level of comfort guide your decisions on how you tweak these settings.

The starting point for all these settings is your Google account page on the web.

Set Your Home and Work Addresses

Google will use the information about where you live and work to personalize your experience. This is most useful in Google Maps, because it means you can get directions back home or to your office with a single tap rather than typing in the address each time. (You should see Home and Work shortcuts appear whenever you search for a destination.)

There are benefits for getting more accurate weather forecasts and more relevant search results too. The usual Google privacy policy rules apply: No one else will see the address information you’ve saved, but you might start seeing more ads for sandwich shops in your local area.

To set these addresses from your Google account page, click Personal info and then either Home address or Work address. You can either type out the address manually, or select a location on a map.

Edit Your Google Profile Information

Settings for your Google Profile Information

Settings for your Google Profile Information

Courtesy of David Nield

You may not think about your Google account in the same way as a Facebook or Instagram profile, but Google does share bits of information about you with other people. If you send someone an email through Gmail, they can click on your profile photo and see whatever’s public on your Google account page. Similarly, if you leave a review on Google Maps, the viewers of that review can tap on your name or picture and see any public information on your Google account page.

#LesserKnown #Google #Account #Settings #Changegoogle,how-to,tips,privacy,gmail,google maps

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