When it comes to communicating with others, the ability to send instant messages with our smartphones and tablets offers great convenience. But many instant messaging apps are criticized for not offering enough privacy. Fortunately, PC Mike Wendland has three great options to ensure your conversations are safe and private. Threema lets you make end-to-end encrypted voice calls, send texts and voice messages, share videos, and even conduct polls. Messages are deleted after delivery, and local files from conversations are encrypted. Several other features are in place to protect user privacy, too. The app is $2.99 for iOS and Android. Telegram messenger app connects people via a unique distributed network of…

With social distancing guidelines in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, getting groceries can be challenging. As PC Mike Wendland reminds us, a number of apps can help you get groceries delivered right to your door. Instacart uses personal shoppers to pick up items for you from local stores. That includes the ability to order from Costco and Sam’s Club without a membership (though you will pay more than members would in the store). In some areas you can even order from liquor stores, pet stores, and pharmacies. If you pay extra you can even free two-hour delivery on orders over $35. The app is free for iOS…

Robocalls already are bad enough, but things are only going to get worse as Election Day approaches. Have no fear, however, as PC Mike Wendland is here to give you a fighting chance with apps designed to block those annoying spam phone calls. Nomorobo offers real-time protection from more than 2.5 million annoying robocallers, telemarketers, and phone scammers. Set up the app to block or identify robocalls, block calls designed to look like they come from a local number but are really unwanted calls, and even get protection from text spam and phishing attempts. The app is free for iOS and Android with a monthly subscription cost of $1.99 after…

We use our smartphones to take pictures all the time, but have you ever longed for the days when you would take a picture with a film camera and get an actual print out? In his report this week, PC Mike Wendland show you three apps to help you do just that —  create picture printouts. Shutterfly offers free prints are available in 4×4 and 6×6 inch sizes. You just pay the shipping costs. Shutterfly also has larger prints — up to 20×30 — and photo books that you can purchase as well as posters canvases, and framed prints. Also, you can use the one-hour pickup service for 4×6 prints…