We put up with Google because the apps are awesome. But there are downsides to living in the panopticon. If you’d prefer not to have a corporation and all its buddies breathing down your neck, consider these privacy-focused alternatives to Google’s services. Notes on Our Suggestions While free services were preferred in our analysis, paid services are the reality of the privacy-first space. Companies can’t make money off your data, so advertisers don’t pay the bills. It’s up to you to pay. “If you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.” We’ve recommended several Apple apps on this list, which might rankle those… Read more
5 of the Best Alternatives to Amazon
To many of us, it might seem that there is no real alternative to Amazon as it has come to symbolize ecommerce in the most powerful of ways. Without a doubt, it offers a robust range of merchandise combined with best user experience, prices, shipping and return policy. Then there is Amazon Prime subscription and a future around Internet of Things which makes Amazon appear downright unbeatable. However, the truth is that there are several online stores that not only match Amazon in terms of scale and offerings, but also its seamless customer experience. So before you start using “Amazon” as a verb for shopping,… Read more
4 of the Best Alternatives to AutoCAD
AutoCAD is a flagship product by Autodesk, the drafting industry’s juggernaut, designed to help its users with product or building design, manufacturing planning, construction and civil infrastructure. The sleek, three-dimensional, computer-aided design software is fully-featured but costs a lot more than other programs that match its capabilities. Since 1982, when it was made available, AutoCAD’s wide range of features and versatility for use in several industries make it the go-to product for professionals, students, and hobbyists alike. However, Autodesk no longer offers perpetual licensing for AutoCAD and switched to a subscription-based licensing instead, which forces users to seek out alternatives. In the long run it may be… Read more
4 of the Best Twitter Alternatives
Twitter remains the big dog of condensed public conversation. The all-powerful platform is the closest thing we have to a speakers’ square in the digital era, but many people are increasingly frustrated by it and looking for alternatives. On the one hand, you have people who believe it’s curtailing free speech by banning outspoken users, and on the other hand it’s a toxic cesspool where there isn’t enough control over what’s being said. So why not jump ship, abandon Twitter altogether and find a social platform that’s more aligned with you? There are some great alternatives out there now, and we’ve picked out the best of… Read more
5 of the Best Kindle Alternatives
I think it’s pretty safe to say that ebook readers are here to stay. Since its inception, the Amazon Kindle has had a tight hold on the e-reader market, but Kindle is not your only option; there are some excellent Kindle alternatives out there. None of them can boast the massive library the Kindle has to draw from, but they are interesting options to check out. Related: Kindle vs. Kindle Paperwhite vs. Kindle Voyage: Which E-Reader Should You Choose? 1. Kobo Aura Edition 2 An alternative to the Kindle Paperwhite is the Kobo Aura Edition 2. This ebook reader has a 6-inch Carta E Ink… Read more