Set up 2FA quickly and easily with our Authy review

Authy | Android | iOS | is an app that lets you easily set up and store two-factor authentication tokens for multiple accounts like your Google, Facebook, Twitch, Amazon and more. We’ve previously covered 2FA for the Google Authenticator app here on the Ting blog, and in this Authy review, we’ll talk a bit about how it’s different, and why you might pick one over the other.

The Facebook Messenger app has some privacy issues

The issue of Facebook and personal privacy has come to the fore with the whole Cambridge Analytica debacle.

#deletefacebook is trending on other free-to-users social networks that certainly wouldn’t ever allow a thing like this to happen with user data. 😉

We’ve covered our fair share of security issues here on the Ting Blog, including how to avoid phishing schemes, how to keep your data safe on free Wi-Fi and even how to flag unwanted spam and scam calls.

Anyone that has installed the Facebook Messenger app on their Android phone has been met by this cute, seemingly innocuous yeti thing asking if you’d like to “continuously upload info about your contacts…” including call and message history.

Now would be a really good time to make sure you didn’t succumb to that sweet little yeti’s advances. If you did, now would be a really good time to change your mind and revoke that permission.

Use your phone to file taxes online this tax season

The best tax season apps let you file taxes online right from your phone and keep you organized all year long.

Take a look at what’s out there and choose the app that’s right for you. Know that in the world of taxes, these services are rarely free. When you file your taxes in person you’re typically charged a fee for the service, right? A couple of the options below are no different, but we did find one free service you might want to check out.

We’ll point out some features of each and let you know where one app might get the edge up on another. Always read the app descriptions thoroughly so there aren’t any surprises in terms of fees.

Free audiobooks

Did you know you can listen to free audiobooks? Audiobooks give you a way to “read” fiction and non-fiction while you’re involved in other activities, such as exercising or doing household chores. They’re also great for road trips and long flights. The convenience of audiobooks has contributed to the format’s growing popularity. In 2011, 11 percent of people in the United States listened to audiobooks. In 2018, 18 percent of people listen to them.

For people who get through at least one audiobook per month, Audible.com offers an inexpensive way to enjoy the latest titles. At $14.95 per month, an Audible.com subscription makes sense for voracious audiobook… readers? However, that expense doesn’t make sense for everyone.

So, if you want them but you don’t want to be out of pocket, you should know how to listen to free audiobooks. You’ll still get to enjoy your favorite authors, but you won’t have to spend any money.

The Wiser app

Know a family member or friend who would benefit from a simpler smartphone experience? Check out today’s App of the Week, Wiser!

The Wiser app replaces your Android homescreen with an easy to use, straightforward launcher. While you’re still able to complete regular smartphone tasks like texting friends, checking your email or browsing Facebook, it makes the navigation experience so much easier! With large, colorful buttons and simplified screens, it’s an excellent app for anyone who has difficulty with Android’s original environment.

Find out more in our video below!

Download Wiser

Why we love Alarm Clock Plus:

Alarm Clock Plus is an app that will help you spring out of bed, bright eyed and bushy tailed. Either that or it’s the type of app that’ll make you throw your phone at the wall after the fourth time you fail to answer the math question that’s required to turn off the alarm.

Either way, you’re awake and ready to face the day. Whether it’s an expensive morning or not? Well, that’s determined by your arithmetical abilities… and perhaps your personal rage quotient (PRQ).

Alarm Clock Plus

Free
Download from Google Play
Set an alarm to wake you up in the morning. Turn on nightstand mode to dim the display. At the appointed time, your alarm will sound. No biggie, right? Well, there’s more to it.

Alarm Clock Plus lets you completely customize your alarms and take control of myriad options to create the perfect wakeup call. Most notable: Require a correct answer to a mathematical question (difficulty determined by you) before the alarm will turn off. Or, if you’re feeling particularly masochistic, before the alarm will even let you snooze.