Keep Windows Apps Updated

UniGetUI

UniGetUI (formerly WingetUI)

Windows Update keeps your Windows updated, but not your Windows tools and apps, which are left to fend for themselves, making for a big chaotic hassle. There are command-line tools to facilitate updates, but they are too painful for ordinary humans. Fortunately there is a good GUI tool to manage and automate the command-line tools: UniGetUI. It's not perfect, but it can be quite helpful in keeping your system updated.

UniGetUI Highlights

• Install, update & remove: One-click install, update, and uninstall. 
• Update options: Automatically update packages, or be notified when updates become available.  
• Bulk operations: Bulk-install, update, or uninstall multiple packages at once.
• Discover & filter packages: Search and filter packages across all supported managers. 
• Export & backup: Export package lists to import on another machine. Backup your setup to recover in seconds when migrating.

Important Tips 

1. Rely mostly on Winget (official Microsoft source) as a package source.
   Other sources should be used only in special circumstances.
2. Be careful to select only the best package for a given app. Quality can and does vary. 
3. Do not install updates automatically. Check carefully before updating.
4. Do not use it to update apps that can update themselves (e.g., Web browsers).
5. UniGetUI works best for newer 64-bit apps, is not safe for many older Win32 apps.
6. Uninstalls can leave debris or broken apps. Just use UniGetUI for updates. 

Fixing Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds

Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds

Almost perfect:

• Outstanding sound quality
• Exceptional noise canceling 
• Clear calling
• beamforming microphone
• bone-conduction sensor
• IPX42 Water resistance 
• Up to 8 hours battery life with noise canceling

What makes it "almost" is that last bullet, because the WF-1000XM4 quickly became notorious for battery problems, with dismal battery life and unequal earbud charging. 

ZeniPower Z55H CCC battery

The good news is that the battery problem can be fixed by replacing the batteries with genuine ZeniPower Z55H batteries. (Be sure to get the ones marked CCC,* not a generic alternative.) Then:

• DIY: Sony WF-1000XM4 Wireless Earbuds Battery Replacement - iFixit Repair Guide
  -or-
• Have a good electronics repair place install them.  

When complete, you'll have outstanding battery life to go along with the outstanding performance!

Note: There are now Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds without the battery problem, but the user interface and form factor are not as good as the XM4 and the other changes are too minor to matter. Stick with the XM4.

 * CCC‑marked ZeniPower Z55H cells use a revised formulation with slightly lower nominal capacity (270 mWh vs 290 mWh) but with more reliable life and stability. 

Bluetooth Mouse by Lenovo

Lenovo WL300 Bluetooth Mouse

Lenovo Bluetooth Silent Mouse WL300

It's surprisingly hard to find a good (responsive, comfortable) Bluetooth mouse at a decent price point, but the Lenovo Bluetooth Silent Mouse WL300 fills the bill:

• Convenient Bluetooth connection with SwiftPair
• 5-button mouse with silent left and right clicks​
• Sculpted grip for all day comfort
• Sleek and compact 
• 3-level DPI adjustment: 800, 1200, and 1600 DPI 
• Works on many surfaces​
• Long-lasting durability and consistent performance 
• Available in both grey and white color
• Powered with a single AA battery 

Tips

1. Use a Lithium USB-C Rechargeable AA battery
2. Adjust button behavior with X-Mouse Button Control
3. Currently less than $20 on Amazon

Shared Web Hosting

KnownHost

KnownHost Gets Top Marks in Shared Web hosting!

I got so fed up with my Web hosting provider (who will go nameless) that I decided to switch the hosting of my websites, and I'm glad I did!

After a careful, thorough search I settled on KnownHost, in part because it's fiercely independent, not part of a big conglomerate, and my experience has been stellar:

• Migration was free, fast and efficient, even my tricky legacy apps.
• Support has been outstanding, fast and responsive. 
• Performance has been spectacular. My websites have never been so fast!
• Ownership means they prioritize customers, not shareholders.  

Bottom Line: Premium hosting at a reasonable price point, ideal for those who value quality over the lowest cost. Highly recommended.

Lithium USB-C Rechargeable AA Batteries

Lithium USB AA Batteries

At last, AA batteries that maintain constant 1.5 volts!

A big problem with alkaline AA batteries is that cell voltage decreases with discharge, so motors run slower and lights get less bright. Standard rechargeable NiCd and NiMH AA batteries suffer from lower cell voltage to begin with. But the latest lithium technology solves both problems:

• Constant voltage: The best ones maintain a constant 1.5 volts until near depletion, when they step down to 1.1 volts to signal that it's time to recharge. Motors and lights thus deliver peak performance.
• Convenience: The latest version recharges rapidly though a USB-C socket, which makes recharging super convenient.
• Options: In addition to AA, lithium rechargeable batteries are also available in AAA, D and 9V form factors with the same great benefits. 

But beware marketing hype. Many of the less reputable batteries on the market make exaggerated, misleading claims. CARDIENS earns my Best Product rating by not making such claims.

Best Consumer VPN 2025-2026

Private Internet Access VPN

Why you need a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

• Encrypts your internet traffic, making it harder for others to read.
• Hides your IP address and approximate location.
• Helps protect your privacy from ISPs, advertisers, and other trackers.
• Adds extra safety on public Wi‑Fi, where networks are easier to snoop.
• Can help you access content or services that are region-locked while traveling.
• Can help bypass censorship in places where websites or apps are blocked.

Why Private Internet Access (PIA) is my current favorite consumer VPN

• Strong privacy: Independently audited no-logs policy and open-source apps.
• Security features: Kill switch, strong encryption, split tunneling, and ad/tracker blocking. 
• Large server network: 90+ countries.
• Unlimited device connections: One subscription can cover all your devices.
• Streaming and torrenting: Streaming-optimized servers and port-forwarding. 
• Extra privacy tools: RAM-only servers and multi-hop options. 
• Solid value: Affordable. 

Caveat 

• Ownership: Kape Technologies conglomerate which is now private.

Best Car Charger 2025-2026

AINOPE Car Charger

AINOPE 67.5W Car Charger USB-C & USB-A

Finally a powerful car charger that fits nearly within the lighter socket!

• USB-C and USB-A ports 
• 67.5W simultaneous fast charging:
• PD3.1 PPS 45W USB-C 
• QC3.0 22.5W USB-A 
• USB-IF and Qualcomm certified
• Advanced heat control 
• All-metal body 

Electric Shaver Lubricant

Squalane Oil

Squalane Oil

To maintain your electric shaver in top condition it's important to regularly clean and lubricate it. The most common recommended lubricants are made from refined mineral oil, but they have two drawbacks:

• Mineral oil can cause skin irritation.
• They can be hard to clean up.

The secret lubrication alternative is squalane, a natural plant-derived oil that's good for your skin in addition to being good for your shaver, with high heat stability and viscosity. Plus it's inexpensive, available for only about $10 (e.g., at Target).

Android Alarm Routine Fix

Android Alarm Routine

Calendar Events and Task Announcements

As a result of Google messing with Android Tasks and Calendar Events, the presets for announcing them in an Alarm Routine may no longer work.

The work-around is to remove the presets and replace them with Try adding your own custom actions:

• Tell me about today's calendar
• Tell me about today's tasks

Note: The two Adjust Media Volume settings in my example are to first set the volume to 50 for a quiet room, and lastly to set the volume to 85 for normal daytime operation.

 

Motor Oil in a Box

Havoline Motor Oil

Havoline 5w30 PRO-DS Lifelong Full Synthetic Smart Change Motor Oil, 6 Quarts

What makes this so special: 

• Full synthetic (for maximum protection and life) 
• Protects up to 10,000 miles or one year  
• Latest technology: 
• API SQ
• ILSAC GF-7
• Suitable for turbos and hybrids 
• Boxed, not canned:
• 70% less plastic
• Fast, glug-free pour  
• 6 quarts