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9 BEST APPS That PAY YOU To WALK & JOG (Passive Income)

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We all know walking and running are some of the easiest ways to stay fit, but what if your daily steps could also pay you back?

Thanks to a wave of innovative fitness apps, you can now earn real rewards—like PayPal cash, Amazon gift cards, or even cryptocurrency—just by moving. It’s like turning your morning jog or grocery store walk into a side hustle.

In this post, I’ll share some of the best walking and running apps that not only keep you healthy but also put extra money in your pocket.

Table Of Contents
  1. WeWard
  2. Walk Tracker
  3. SweatCoin
  4. Runtopia
  5. Robox Fit
  6. Walk Earn
  7. Footpath
  8. StepEarn
  9. CashWalk

WeWard

WeWard is a walking app that turns your daily steps into rewards. The idea is simple—the more you move, the more you earn. Users collect “Wards” (the app’s in-app currency) for walking, completing challenges, or checking out partner deals. These Wards can then be redeemed for gift cards, donations to charities, or even cash. It’s like getting a little paycheck just for staying active.

  • Supported devices: iOS and Android
  • Payment methods: PayPal, bank transfer (in some regions), Amazon and other retail gift cards, charity donations
  • Minimum payout: Around €15 (USD equivalent varies) before you can cash out via PayPal.
  • How it is calculated: You need 3,000 Wards for a $20 cash payout via PayPal or bank transfer (SEPA in Europe, but US/UK/Canada users stick with PayPal/Venmo). Smaller rewards like gift cards can start at fewer Wards, depending on the deal. 1,500 steps = 1 Ward, and you can earn up to 25 Wards daily by walking.

Start with 150 Wards directly into your Wards balance with this referral code: RusticPanther4560

Walk Tracker

Walk Tracker is a fitness app that helps you track your steps, calories burned, and distance covered while walking or running. What makes it interesting is that it doesn’t just log your movement—it also rewards your activity with points that can be turned into real-world perks. Think of it as a digital step counter that pays you back for staying consistent with your fitness goals.

  • Supported devices: iOS and Android
  • Payment methods: PayPal, Amazon Gift Cards, and other retail gift cards (varies by region)
  • Minimum payout: Usually starts around $10 USD before you can cash out
  • How it is calculated: You’ll need 5,000 points for a $5 cash payout via PayPal. Gift cards can start at lower point thresholds, depending on the retailer. Points are earned based on steps or challenges, with roughly 10,000 steps equaling 100 points on average.
  • Referral Code (if required): 3DZCsco

SweatCoin

Sweatcoin is one of the most popular apps that pays you to walk. Every step you take outdoors is converted into “Sweatcoins,” a digital currency you can use to claim discounts, products, gift cards, or even donate to charity. Recently, the app also launched its own crypto token (SWEAT), giving users another way to benefit from their daily movement. The more you walk, the more you earn—it’s that simple.

  • Supported devices: iOS and Android
  • Payment methods: PayPal (through third-party offers), Amazon Gift Cards, retail discounts, charity donations, and crypto (SWEAT token)
  • Minimum payout: Depends on the reward; most gift cards and PayPal options start around $5–$10 USD worth of Sweatcoins
  • How it is calculated: You’ll need around 20,000 sweatcoins for a $50 PayPal payout, though offers vary. Smaller rewards like gift cards can start at 5,000 sweatcoins. 1,000 steps = 0.95 sweatcoins on the free plan, with a daily cap of 10 sweatcoins (about 10,000 steps).

Runtopia

Runtopia tracks your walking, running (and sometimes cycling) workouts and rewards them with virtual coins called SPC (Sports Coins). You earn SPC by hitting step goals, completing tasks, and participating in challenges. Then you can redeem SPC for PayPal cash, gift cards, sports gear, memberships, or discounts.

  • Supported devices: iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android
  • Payment methods: PayPal cash, gift cards, sports & fitness products, and in-app rewards.
  • Minimum payout: It’s pretty steep. One review says you need ≈ 35,000 SPC to cash out via PayPal. That’s a lot of steps/time.
  • How it is calculated: You need 6,667 SPC for a $500 cash payout via PayPal, which is steep. Smaller rewards like gift cards start at lower SPC amounts. 10,000 steps earn about 5–10 SPC daily for free users, with premium plans boosting that to 100 SPC max.
  • Referral Code: QM7CST8YO3MF

Robox Fit

Robox Fit is a “move to earn” app that rewards walking with crypto. You walk, track your steps, and earn ROX tokens. It also has Boosts (multipliers) so you can earn more if you upgrade. There’s a referral system too — invite friends, and you get bonuses from their activity.

  • Supported devices: iOS and Android
  • Payment methods: ROX tokens (withdrawals via NC Wallet for free, or to other Solana-based wallets with Boosts/subscription)
  • Minimum payout: As low as 0.02 ROX to NC Wallet
  • How it is calculated: The app recently lowered its minimum withdrawal to 500 ROX for crypto payouts, which you can transfer to a wallet. Exact cash value varies with ROX’s market price, but 10,000 steps typically earn 1–2 ROX on the free plan. Boosts can multiply that.

Walk Earn

Walk Earn is a simple pedometer app that pays you for staying active. Every step you take is tracked and converted into in-app coins that can be redeemed for real rewards. The app is designed for people who want to make their daily walks a little more motivating while earning small perks along the way.

  • Supported devices: iOS and Android
  • Payment methods: PayPal cash, Amazon Gift Cards, and other retail gift cards
  • Minimum payout: Usually around $10 USD before you can withdraw
  • How it is calculated: You need 10,000 coins for a $5 PayPal payout, but the step-to-coin ratio isn’t clear, and some users report high thresholds or payout issues. Roughly 10,000 steps might earn 50–100 coins, depending on tasks or ads watched.

Footpath

Footpath isn’t a “get paid to walk” app—it’s a route-planning and map-navigation tool aimed at outdoor lovers. With this app you draw routes with your finger, and it snaps your path to real roads, trails, or paths. You can measure distance, elevation, plan new running or walking adventures, and even get turn-by-turn voice navigation. It’s more about making your walks, runs, or hikes smarter—not profitable.

  • Supported devices: iOS (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Mac with Apple Silicon), Android
  • Payment method: No direct payments from the app – PayPal or other platforms for selling routes or coaching services externally
  • Minimum payout (if any): No in-app payouts since earnings come from external hustles like coaching or route sales. No minimum step count—your income depends on how you market your routes (e.g., $5–$50 per custom route sold).

StepEarn

StepEarn is a “get-paid-to-walk” style app that tracks your steps automatically and rewards you with coins for daily walking. You can boost earnings by completing challenges or daily goals, and then convert those coins into real cash when you reach the payout threshold.

  • Supported devices: Android (via Google Play)
  • Payment methods: PayPal cash
  • Minimum payout: PayPal for cash – Gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, etc.) – In-app rewards like discounts or gadgetsMinimum Payout Amount You need 20,000 coins for a $10 PayPal payout, but the step-to-coin ratio varies, and ads or tasks boost earnings. Roughly 10,000 steps earn 50–100 coins daily, depending on your activity and engagement.

CashWalk

CashWalk is a fitness reward app that pays you for walking. You earn “coins” for every 100 steps, plus bonus coins from daily check-ins, scratch cards, referrals, and other small tasks. Then you use those coins to redeem gift cards from popular retailers. It’s less about big income, more about turning your movement into small perks.

  • Supported devices: iOS and Android
  • Payment method: Gift cards only (from places like Amazon, Starbucks, etc.)
  • Minimum payout: About $5 USD via gift card, which usually requires 5,000 coins
  • How it is calculated: You need 5,000 coins for a $5 gift card, with 1 coin earned per 100 steps, up to 100 coins daily (10,000 steps). You’ll hit that $5 mark in about 50 days if you max out daily steps.

9 BEST APPS That PAY YOU To WALK & JOG (Passive Income) Read More »

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9+ Proven Apps to Sell Your Unused Data & Earn Money [2025]

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Ever feel like your internet connection is just sitting idle while you’re at work or asleep? What if you could turn that unused bandwidth into a steady stream of passive income?

A new wave of apps has emerged that allow you to do exactly that—get paid for sharing a small, safe portion of your home Wi-Fi or mobile data. It’s a simple way to make your internet plan work for you, earning a little extra cash with minimal effort.

In this guide, we’ll break down some of the top apps that let you earn by sharing your unused data. We’ve looked at the key details for each one: how you get paid, what devices they work on, and what the companies actually do with your shared connection. This will help you choose the right option to start earning on the side.

Table Of Contents
  1. Pawns.app
  2. Honeygain
  3. TraffMonetizer
  4. RePocket
  5. PacketShare
  6. Gener8
  7. PacketStream
  8. Earnapp
  9. Grass

Pawns.app

Pawns.app offers a straightforward approach to earning a little passive income by sharing your unused internet bandwidth. Much like others in this space, it works by running a small application on your devices that allows the company to use a portion of your internet connection for their global network. This network is used by businesses for market research and web data collection. The setup is simple, and once it’s running, it requires very little attention from you.

  • Minimum Payout: The minimum amount you need to cash out is $5.
  • Withdrawal Method & Device: You can withdraw your earnings via PayPal, Bitcoin, or direct bank transfer.
  • Platforms Supported: Pawns.app supports Android, Windows, and macOS. It is not available for iOS.
  • Other Ways to Earn: Beyond sharing your IP, Pawns.app provides several other ways to boost your earnings. You can complete paid online surveys, which are frequently offered based on your demographic profile.
  • Primary Use & Company Goal: The primary function of the app is to contribute to a pool of residential IP addresses. Companies use this network to gather public data from the internet for purposes like academic research, price comparison, and SEO monitoring. The company states that user privacy is a priority, ensuring that your personal data and browsing activity are not intercepted or monitored.

Honeygain

Honeygain is one of the most popular and straightforward apps out there for earning a bit of extra cash by sharing your unused internet data. The concept is simple: you install the app, it runs quietly in the background, and the company uses your internet connection as a tiny part of a larger web-scraping and market research network. They essentially pay you for your unused bandwidth, and you barely have to lift a finger after the initial setup.

  • Minimum Payout: The minimum amount you need to cash out is $20.
  • Withdrawal & Device: Withdrawals are processed via PayPal or JMPT cryptocurrency (which can be converted to USD).
  • Platforms Supported: You can install it on Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS.
  • Other Ways to Earn: Besides sharing data, you can get a $5 sign-up bonus to kickstart your earnings. They also occasionally run contests and offer extra credit for referring friends to the platform.
  • Primary Use & Company Goal: Honeygain’s primary use is to create a crowdsourced residential IP network. Companies use this network for things like price comparison aggregation, ad verification, and brand monitoring.
  • They need real, organic IP addresses from around the world to get accurate data, and that’s what you’re providing in exchange for a small fee. Your personal data and activity are not monitored; they are only interested in your IP’s location and the bandwidth itself.

TraffMonetizer

Traffmonetizer is an application that allows you to generate passive income by sharing your unused internet bandwidth. The service is designed to be simple and hands-off. Once you install their lightweight application on a device, it runs in the background, and you earn money based on the amount of traffic that passes through your shared connection.

  • Minimum Payout: The minimum withdrawal amount is $10.
  • Withdrawal Method & Device: Earnings are paid out via PayPal, USDT (Tether cryptocurrency), or airtime/phone credit top-ups.
  • Platforms Supported: It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android.
  • Other Ways to Earn: The primary earning method is by sharing bandwidth. Traffmonetizer does not offer additional features like surveys or an offerwall.
  • Primary Use & Company Goal: The app’s main function is to contribute your IP address to a larger pool of residential proxies. This network is then used by businesses for legitimate purposes like web scraping, ad verification, and price comparison aggregation. The company states that all user data is anonymized and that your personal information and private internet activity are not accessed or logged.

RePocket

RePocket is a platform that allows you to earn money by sharing your unused internet bandwidth. The app runs quietly in the background on your devices, and in exchange for contributing your resources, you get paid.

  • Minimum Payout: The minimum amount required to withdraw your earnings is $10.
  • Withdrawal Method & Device: You can cash out your earnings via PayPal or through various gift cards.
  • Platforms Supported: RePocket is supported on Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux. It is not available for iOS devices.
  • Other Ways to Earn: Besides sharing bandwidth, RePocket offers additional ways to earn. You can complete paid surveys and offers through their partner network.
  • Primary Use & Company Goal: The primary use of the app is to contribute your device’s resources to a larger network. This network is used by businesses for legitimate purposes like market research, ad verification, and data collection. The company states that user privacy is a priority, ensuring that your personal data and browsing activity are not accessed or monitored. They only use your IP address and a small amount of bandwidth.

PacketShare

PacketShare is an application that allows you to earn money by contributing your unused internet bandwidth to a global network. By installing their software on your devices, you enable businesses to utilize a small portion of your connection for tasks like data gathering and market research.

  • Minimum Payout: The minimum amount required to withdraw your earnings is $5.
  • Withdrawal Method & Device: Earnings are paid out via PayPal.
  • Platforms Supported: PacketShare is supported on Windows and macOS operating systems.
  • Other Ways to Earn: The primary method of earning is by sharing bandwidth. PacketShare does not prominently feature additional earning methods such as surveys or a referral program.
  • Primary Use & Company Goal: The primary use of the app is to contribute to a distributed network of residential IP addresses. Companies access this network for activities like web scraping, ad verification, and price comparison, as traffic from real homes is less likely to be blocked than traffic from data centers. The company states that user privacy is protected through encryption and that they do not monitor or collect personal browsing data.

Gener8

Gener8 is a different kind of earning platform that focuses on your web browsing data. The core idea is that instead of big companies profiting from your online behavior without your consent, you can choose to share your anonymized browsing data with them and get rewarded for it.

You install their browser extension or use their custom browser, and it runs in the background as you surf the web, collecting data on general trends (not your personal info). In return, you earn points that can be traded in for various rewards. It’s a unique take on turning your everyday internet use into something more valuable.

  • Minimum Payout: Gener8 uses a points system called tokens. There isn’t a standard cash minimum; instead, you redeem your accumulated tokens for rewards. The cost of rewards varies, so the minimum needed depends on what you want to get.
  • Withdrawal Method & Device: Withdrawals are not cash payments. You redeem your tokens for rewards like gift cards (e.g., Amazon, Starbucks), donations to charity, or entries into prize draws. The platform is designed for use on a computer via a browser extension. They also have a mobile app for managing your account and rewards.
  • Platforms Supported: It works primarily as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. They also offer a dedicated desktop browser for Windows and macOS, and a mobile app for Android and iOS for account management.
  • Other Ways to Earn: Besides sharing your browsing data, you can earn more tokens by completing offers and surveys through their partner network. They also have a referral program that rewards you for bringing new users to the platform.
  • Primary Use & Company Goal: The primary use is to create a large, ethical panel of user data for market research. Companies use this anonymized and aggregated data to understand consumer trends and improve their products and services. Gener8 emphasizes user privacy and control, ensuring that no personally identifiable information is ever sold or shared.

PacketStream

PacketStream is a platform that allows you to earn money by sharing your unused internet bandwidth. It works by installing a small application on your computer that runs in the background. This application lets the company use a portion of your internet connection to create a network of residential IP addresses.

Businesses use this network for tasks like ad verification and market research. Your personal data and browsing activity are not monitored; the company only uses your IP address and a small amount of bandwidth.

  • Minimum Payout: The minimum amount required to withdraw your earnings is $5.
  • Withdrawal Method & Device: You can cash out your earnings via PayPal. The application is designed to be installed on a computer running Windows or macOS. It is not available for mobile devices.
  • Platforms Supported: PacketStream is supported on Windows and macOS operating systems.
  • Other Ways to Earn: The primary way to earn is by sharing bandwidth. PacketStream does not prominently feature other methods like surveys or a referral program within its core offering.
  • Primary Use & Company Goal: The primary use of the app is to contribute to a global proxy network. Companies purchase access to this network to gather public web data from residential IP addresses for purposes like competitive analysis and SEO monitoring. The company emphasizes that user privacy is protected and that all usage is compliant with its terms of service.

Earnapp

EarnApp is a legit platform that lets you make a bit of extra cash by putting your unused internet bandwidth to work. Think of it like renting out a tiny, unused part of your internet connection. The app runs quietly in the background on your devices, and companies use it for things like market research, price comparison, and ad verification.

  • 💰 Minimum Payout: The minimum withdrawal amount is $2.50 for PayPal and Wise transfers. For Amazon gift cards, the minimum is $50.
  • 💸 Withdrawal Method & Device: You can withdraw your earnings via PayPal, Wise (transfer), or Amazon gift cards.
  • 📱 Platforms Supported: This is one of EarnApp’s biggest strengths. It supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Raspberry Pi 210.
  • 🎯 Other Ways to Earn: Besides sharing bandwidth, you can earn through their referral program and by completing tasks on the Offerwall. The Offerwall includes surveys, app installs, and other tasks from third-party partners.
  • 🏢 Primary Use & Company Goal: EarnApp’s primary use is to build a crowdsourced network of residential IP addresses. The company then sells access to this network to businesses and researchers who need to gather public web data ethically for tasks like competitive analysis, academic research, and brand protection.

Grass

Unlike traditional apps, Grass is a web-based extension, meaning you don’t need to download software; you simply add it to your browser and it runs while you browse the web normally. It is designed to be completely passive, requiring no active effort after installation.

  • Minimum Payout: Grass does not have a publicly stated minimum payout threshold. Earnings accumulate in points, which are expected to be convertible to rewards upon launch of their token.
  • Withdrawal Method & Device: Earnings are distributed in the form of cryptocurrency rewards, specifically their own token. It operates as a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Brave.
  • Platforms Supported: Grass is supported as an extension on Chromium-based browsers like Chrome, Brave, and Edge, as well as Firefox. A dedicated mobile app is coming soon in late 2025.
  • Other Ways to Earn: The primary way to earn is by sharing bandwidth. Grass also offers a referral program that allows users to earn a bonus for bringing new users onto the network.
  • Primary Use & Company Goal: The primary use is to create a decentralized network of residential IPs that provides data for AI companies. This data is used to train large language models and other AI systems, helping them become more accurate and unbiased. The company emphasizes that user privacy is protected; it does not have access to personal data, browsing history, or any identifiable information. All data collected is anonymized and aggregated.

9+ Proven Apps to Sell Your Unused Data & Earn Money [2025] Read More »

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9 Ways to Receive SMS Verification Code From Virtual Numbers

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A virtual number is an actual phone number without a physical SIM card. It is commonly installed as a desktop application and as a mobile app.

Virtual mobile numbers can be used for sending & receiving SMS text messages and making local & international calls.

Besides using virtual numbers for receiving SMS OTP codes, they can act as a secondary phone number (without a physical SIM) and can be used for other means, e.g., business, travel, online dating, etc.

Virtual numbers are commonly used to register for online services like WhatsApp, Telegram, or other chat apps.

Table Of Contents
  1. How to Get Virtual Phone Numbers for Receiving SMS Verification Codes?

Here’s a quick summary of the most suitable apps based on your needs and preferences.

Best (FREE)Best (PAID)
OnlineSIM
(Free to try)		Hushed
(Most affordable)
Quackr.io
(Free)		Numero
(Most number of countries to choose from)

Note that free virtual numbers are always used quickly whenever they are listed online for social media sites and email registration purposes.

Always consider getting a paid virtual number if you want a fresh unused one. These temporary numbers are affordable, and you can always extend their validity whenever possible.

How to Get Virtual Phone Numbers for Receiving SMS Verification Codes?

Here are the nine (9) ways to do so.

1. Hushed

hushed-virtual-mobile-temporary-number-receive-sms-verification-otp-code

Hushed is one of those apps that you can use to buy a prepaid mobile number online.

You can receive SMS verification codes (OTP), make calls, have custom voicemail greetings, call forwarding, and many other features.

You can get a single mobile number for as low as $1.99 for a limited number of days (e.g., 7 days)

  • Install the Hushed app on your mobile phone.
  • Choose the country of the mobile number you want, e.g, from Canada or the U.K.
  • Every purchased mobile number is renewable before the expiry date.
  • Payment methods include in-app purchases through PlayStore and AppStore, Bitcoin, and credit cards through the Hushed app portal.
Visit HUSHED

2. Numero

numero-virtual-mobile-number-secondary-app

Numero eSIM acts as a secondary mobile number for users to make cheap calls with the ability to send and receive SMS messages. In addition, you can use it to get SMS verification codes.

Users receive free calls anywhere when using Numero eSIM. This only applies to incoming calls.

You can make local and international calls at almost local rates.

You can choose virtual numbers from over 80+ countries and over 4000+ cities.

  • Make calls and receive SMS messages.
  • International WiFi calling at local rates with Local calling plans.
  • Voicemail and Call forwarding features
  • Privacy Caller-ID (hide your number) for local and international calls
Visit NUMERO

3. Talkroute

talkroute_virtual-number-receive-sms-verification-code

Talkroute is a virtual phone system suitable for businesses and individuals who are always on the move.

Users can work using their desktop computers, web browsers, and mobile devices to make & receive calls, manage SMS texts, and respond to voicemail messages.

Talkroute has a detailed history reporting feature that retrieves call data with various options (e.g., sort by a caller or specific mailbox).

  • Local, toll-free, 800, and vanity phone numbers
  • Hosting video meetings with video conferencing with up to 100 participants
  • Unlimited 3 or 4-digit direct dial extensions
  • Custom greetings and call recordings
Visit TALKROUTE

4. TextMagic

textmagic-virtual-number-receive-sms-verification-otp

TextMagic is an SMS text messaging marketing campaign software that packs several features, including the ability to send and receive SMS text messages online using its two-way chat features.

You can use that to receive SMS verification OTP codes for web services, such as registering for Gmail and signing up for social media sites.

One helpful feature is enabling users a quick and cost-effective way to send bulk (mass) messages anywhere in the world.

TextMagic has global SMS coverage with access to over 1,000 mobile networks across 190+ countries. With that, you can safely receive SMS messages from any country worldwide.

  • Choose virtual numbers from over 25+ countries for promotional campaigns, customer support, etc.
  • Send & receive SMS messages and MMS attachments.
  • Sub-accounts for team members with reporting and analytics features
Visit TEXTMAGIC

5. OnlineSIM

onlinesim-virtual-number-receive-sms-verification-code-otp

OnlineSIM is an online phone service that provides free virtual mobile numbers for users so they can have private registration on various sites, services, and platforms.

These online numbers are on short and long-term virtual number renting models.

The company has access to virtual numbers from over 90+ countries and more than 1 million numbers.

You can rent a number for as short as ten (10) minutes to an hour. In addition, you can extend the number’s validity or cancel it anytime.

You can use OnlineSIM to receive SMS verification codes by signing up for services such as Gmail, Facebook, Whatsapp, and many others.

Visit OnlineSIM

6. Quackr.io

Quackr is entirely free to use, with no signups required.

You can use Quackr as a secure temporary phone number instead of using your actual phone number on the Internet.

You can send & receive SMS text messages from the U.S., U.K., and 22 other countries using your virtual phone number.

The site updates and adds new temporary phone numbers every month.

You can use these temporary virtual numbers for setting up accounts on Facebook, WhatsApp, PayPal, Uber, Tencent, cryptocurrency exchanges & many more.

Visit QUACKR.io

7. SMSReceiveFree.com

SMSReceiveFree can get SMS text messages from all over the world. In addition, these virtual numbers can be used to verify and register for websites like Twitter and Google.

All messages and phone numbers are thrown away after seven (7) days.

Every month, new virtual phone numbers are added to the list.

Even if the sender is located in a different nation, these virtual mobile numbers can still receive messages from anywhere in the world.

Visit SMSReceiveFree

8. Anonymsms.com

AnonymSMS is a completely free online service that lets you receive SMS messages without entering your mobile or cell phone number.

These temporary numbers are based on a genuine SIM, and new virtual numbers are added daily.

In most cases, communications are received immediately. Hit the refresh button to get to it. After a while, all visible and utilized virtual numbers will become inactive, and you can choose another number to use.

Visit ANONYMSMS

9. TemporaryPhoneNumber

TemporaryPhoneNumber is a free service that allows you to use its virtual temporary phone numbers to receive SMS text messages anonymously online from anywhere in the world, regardless of your location. 

TemporaryPhoneNumber is free to use without needing to pay any fees, and no need for user registration.

Incoming SMS messages are automatically refreshed on the page between 5 seconds to 60 seconds intervals.

Visit TemporaryPhoneNumber

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7 BEST File Carving Tools [Data Recovery, Digital Forensics]

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File Carving is a data recovery technique used to restore and recover full/partial lost, damaged or deleted files in a media drive. It is mainly used in data recovery and digital forensics investigations.

The magic of file carving lies in the software tool’s understanding of file formats and their header, footer and structure to re-construct back to their original state.

Below is a summary table of the different tools mentioned in this article.

S/noFile Craving ToolPlatform
1Stellar Data RecoveryWindows, macOS
2PhotoRecWindows, macOS, Linux
3RecuvaWindows
4Easeus Data RecoveryWindows, macOS
5ForemostLinux
6DDRescueWindows
7Bulk ExtractorWindows, Linux

In this article, I will list all the best and most reliable file carving tools for Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

There will be a mixture of both GUI software and terminal console tools. Some of the best file-craving tools out there are, in fact, console command-line applications.

Table Of Contents
  1. What are the Best File Craving Tools for Digital Forensics and Data Recovery?

What are the Best File Craving Tools for Digital Forensics and Data Recovery?

Here are the seven (7) best file carving tools that can be used for data recovery and digital forensics use.

1. Stellar Data Recovery

stellar-file-carving-digital-forensics-data-recovery

Stellar Data Recovery is a file carving and data recovery tool for Mac and Windows devices capable of recovering deleted documents, photos, and videos.

The software tool is compatible with M1, M2, and T2 chip-enabled Macs and often supports the latest macOS version.

For data recovery, it can recover from Fusion drive, Time Machine devices, formatted partitions and retrieves from solid state drives, portable hard drives, and many more.

Visit Stellar

2. PhotoRec

photorec-data-rcovery-file-carving-tools

PhotoRec is a free, open-source image data recovery tool that supports over 480+ file extension formats. It can restore lost images from computers, digital cameras, mobile devices, memory cards or other storage media such as USB flash drives.

PhotoRec provides read-only access to its directory for data recovery to prevent overwriting recovered data onto the same drive or partition. Instead, users will specify another drive or volume for recovered images.

QPhotoRec is the graphical user interface for the file-carving PhotoRec tool that offers simplicity and ease of use.

3. Recuva

recuva-data-recovery-file-carving-tool

Recuva is a Windows-only file carving application that can retrieve any lost file, including emails, documents, music, movies, and images. Additionally, it can restore data from any rewriteable media you may have, including USB sticks, external hard drives, and memory cards.

Recuva has an advanced deep scan mode for hard-to-find files that scans your drive to find all traces of deleted files.

The data recovery tool can recover files from damaged or recently formatted devices. It has free and Pro versions with more data recovery features.

4. Easeus Data Recovery

EaseUS-Data-Recovery-file-carving-data-recovery

Easeus Data Recovery is a file-carving software that can recover almost any file, including documents, images, videos, audio, emails and many more.

The data recovery tool can restore deleted files from various media (hard drives, MicroSD cards, etc.) and repair corrupted photos, videos and documents.

The easy-to-use GUI interface offers users a free preview of the restored/recovered file before attempting a full recovery which requires more time.

There is also a feature that allows users to specify precisely which directory location they want the file recovery to take place, which can save up time instead of deep scanning the entire drive.

5. Foremost

foremost-file-carving-data-recovery

Initially developed by the U.S Air Force, Foremost is a lightweight Linux terminal application that does file carving on files based on their headers, footers and data structures.

Foremost is installed on Linux operating systems and can be used on Kali Linux and Ubuntu distros. The data recovery tool also supports digital forensics images, such as dd and E01 evidence file formats.

6. DDRescue

Ddrescue-file-carving-data-recovery

DDRescue is a data recovery tool that copies data from one file or block device (hard drive, CD-ROM, etc.) to another file or block device and tries to salvage the good part if a read error occurs.

The file carving tool manipulates ddrescue map files, displays map file contents, translates map files to and from different formats, compares map files, checks the rescue status, and can remove a map file after the rescue is complete. 

DDRescue does not write zeros to the output and is periodically saved to a disc, which is helpful in the event of a crash.

7. Bulk Extractor

Bulk Extractor works like a file carving tool and a high-performance digital forensics exploitation tool. The data recovery software tool searches for file header and footer patterns of various data and then extracts these ranges as a file.

The tool extracts structured information such as credit card numbers, email addresses, JPEG images, etc., without going through the parsing of file systems.

Bulk Extractor – Features

  • It is multi-threaded, so input data should be processed at high speed. (100 – 300 MBytes/sec)
  • Expand data recursively, such as expanding gzipped files
  • Support memory dumps, disk, volume, and file systems.

7 BEST File Carving Tools [Data Recovery, Digital Forensics] Read More »

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7 BEST Web Browsers for macOS Monterey: [Fastest Speed Test]

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We installed several popular web browsers on a MacBook, running the latest macOS Monterey, and put them into three (3) different benchmark speed tests to find out which is the fastest and lightest web browser for Mac devices.

The environment for the benchmark speed tests is as follows;

  • Laptop used: Macbook Pro (16-inch, 2021 model), running Apple M1 Max chip with a memory RAM of 64GB.
  • Condition: No other running applications present except the web browser and no other browser tabs except the speed test site

The benchmark sites used for the web browser speed tests are;

S/noBenchmark siteTest Measurements
1JetStream2Measures the browser’s ability to start up quickly, execute code speedily and run smoothly
2SpeedometerMeasures the browser’s Web app responsiveness
3Speed BattleMeasure the speed of Javascript in the browser

Web Browsers Speed Test Results

The table below shows the results for the seven (7) web browsers used in the MacBook.

The higher the score number, the better the results for all the benchmark tests.

S/noWeb BrowserJetStream2SpeedometerSpeed Battle
1Safari267.916375 runs/minute2423.48
2Vivaldi256.582282 runs/minute1448.09
3Brave221.081313 runs/minute1151.98
4Microsoft Edge219.203291 runs/minute1125.83
5Google Chrome214.344286 runs/minute1151.67
6Opera210.087270 runs/minute1124.16
7Firefox156.219222 runs/minute1233.83

Which Web Browser is the Fastest & Lightest for macOS Monterey?

Our speed test results showed that Safari is the fastest and most lightweight web browser when you are using a macOS computer, e.g. a MacBook, iPhone, iPad, etc.

1. Safari

The Fastest and the BEST Web Browser to run on any macOS device.

safari-web-browser

Safari scored the highest in all three (3) speed tests.

Safari is the fastest to start up quickly based on the JetStream2 results, scoring 267.916.

safari-web-browser-jetstream2-speed-test-results

The web browser clocks a high 375 runs/minute on measuring the web app’s responsiveness using the Speedometer’s speed test.

safari-web-browser-speedometer-speed-test-results

It also has the fastest speed of running Javascript in its browser, scoring 2423.48 using Speed Battle’s test.

2. Vivaldi

Ranked 2nd in the JetStream2 (fast startup) and Speed Battle (Javascript speed) speed tests

vivaldi-web-browser

Vivaldi’s newest update supports Apple’s M1 computers, giving itself a significant boost in speed and performance.

The web browser has several efficient features, such as the

  • Built-in calendar, mail client, translator, ad blocker and many more
  • Intelligent resource management for a faster browsing experience
  • Tab management for users to unlimited group tabs into 2-level stacks
  • Privacy browser as it does not track users’ behaviour
  • Syncing across different devices from different operating systems

3. Brave

Ranked 2nd in the Speedometer test, which measures the browser’s web app responsiveness

brave-web-browser

Started in 2015, the privacy-focused Brave web browser has hit 50 million monthly active users since January 2022.

The web browser, by default, blocks trackers and ads on every website you visit while allowing users to opt-in to earn their cryptocurrency token, called the Basic Attention Token (BAT), by watching privacy-respecting ads.

BAT tokens can be stored in the browser’s built-in Brave wallet, sold in exchanges or used to swap for other crypto tokens.

Some of Brave’s features are;

  • Block cross-site trackers and invasive ads
  • Block cookies
  • Block Fingerprinting
  • Malware and phishing protection
  • Anonymized Network Routing (TOR mode)

4. Microsoft Edge

microsoft-edge-web-browser

Starting in 2015, Microsoft Edge is the web browser created to replace the old Internet Explorer.

The web browser works with various operating systems, e.g. Windows, macOS, iOS, Android devices, Windows Servers and even Linux machines.

Some of Microsoft Edge’s features are;

  • Kids Mode – For kids with built-in protection and custom designs
  • Personalized gaming homepage with exclusive XBOX content
  • Productivity features like vertical tabs and immersive reading mode
  • Security features like password breach monitor and inPrivate tab for privacy surfing

5. Google Chrome

google-chrome-web-browser

If you are running on Windows or Linux machines, you should probably get a Google Chrome web browser.

The web browser is engineered for speed and security with automatic updates to keep your surfing safe and secure.

Some of the useful features of Chrome as;

  • Built-in Safety Checks notify users if passwords are compromised and if browser extensions are a security risk
  • Built-in Privacy controls allow users to set their privacy level, e.g. clear browsing history, control website access permissions like webcam, etc
  • Password syncing across devices when users sign in to their Chrome account
  • Plenty of Chrome extensions add-ons

6. Opera

opera-web-browser

The Opera project started in 1994 and was considered one of the pioneers in web browsing.

The Opera browser supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android and iOS. Besides the main browser, the company offers Opera GX for gamers and Opera Mini for a light data-saving browser.

Some of Opera’s features include;

  • Built-in Ad Blocker, which is customizable
  • Built-in Integrated Messengers. e.g. Facebook messenger, Whatsapp, Telegram
  • Secure encrypted file-sharing between connected devices
  • Optional VPN feature

7. Firefox

firefox-web-browser

Started in 2004, the Mozilla Firefox web browser was created to achieve a faster and more privacy-focused surfing experience for users.

In fact, users of Firefox stick by their browsers due to the fact that it is highly configurable in its settings. You can set and customize almost any aspect of the web browser.

Some of the features of the Firefox web browser include;

  • Picture-in-picture mode for easy streaming and multitasking
  • DNS over HTTPS (DoH) prevents internet service providers from selling your data
  • Fingerprinting and crypto mining blocking
  • Plenty of browser extensions add-ons
  • Sync across devices

7 BEST Web Browsers for macOS Monterey: [Fastest Speed Test] Read More »

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7 BEST Digital Forensics Tools [Mobile, Mac, Cloud, Window]

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The field of digital forensics is used by law enforcement agencies when it comes to criminal investigations to extract evidence, as well as in the private sector, where incidents such as data breaches, litigation, inside threats, fraud, etc., require the need for forensics investigations to find out the truth.

The sub-discipline of digital forensics includes mobile forensics, cloud forensics, memory forensics and many more.

Every digital forensics tool has its own strengths when it comes to examining the different types of devices. There are always specific forensic tools that cater for a specific operating system.

Not to be confused with data recovery, the four (4) steps involved in a digital forensics scientific methodology begin with;

StepsStage/sComments
1CollectionThe proper seizure procedure of devices to prevent physical damage and/or file contamination
2PreservationThe forensic process of acquiring (imaging) a forensic image of the device
3AnalysisThe examination stage to uncover any inculpatory or exculpatory digital evidence using digital forensic tools
4PresentationExplaining the forensic findings, typically presented in a court of law when used by law enforcement agencies
Table Of Contents
  1. List of the Best Digital Forensics software
  2. Bonus

List of the Best Digital Forensics software

Depending on the type of device and operating system you are acquiring, we can choose the best digital forensics tools for each sub-discipline of digital forensics.

1. EnCase Forensic

Court-proven computer forensic tool used by law enforcement around the world

opentext-encase-forensic-software-tool

Starting in the early days of 1998, EnCase is the pioneer in the field of computer forensics when it comes to criminal investigations and analysis.

Used by the majority of law enforcement agencies in the world, the strength of EnCase Forensic software lies in its competency in acquiring forensic images from a wide array of computer systems. It is especially good at analysing Windows operating systems and commonly-used file systems such as NTFS, FAT/FAT32/exFAT/, ext4 and many more.

EnCase Forensic – Key Features

  • Analyze data from multiple platforms—Windows, Linux, AIX, OS X, Solaris, and more
  • Uncover suspicious files, e.g. hiding, cloaking, or deletion
  • Manage large data volume, including deleted files, unallocated space and file slack.
  • Indexing, keyword searching and automated evidence-processing features
  • Create exact forensic duplicates through verifiable hash values and Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC) values
  • Easy transfer of evidence files to external parties, such as legal representatives

2. Cellebrite UFED

cellebrite-ufed-mobile-digital-forensics

Since entering the mobile forensics industry in 2007, Cellebrite UFED has been the leading market leader in this space for many years.

Cellebrite is an Israeli digital intelligence company focusing mainly on extracting data from mobile devices. The company has several offices across the world, including Washington D.C, Germany and Singapore.

The UFED capability is available on platforms such as desktop computers (UFED4PC) and a standalone handheld console (UFED Touch2).

Cellebrite UFED – Key Features

  • Unlocking of mobile devices via pattern bypass and PIN locks
  • Perform logical, file system and physical extractions
  • Use of bootloaders, automatic EDL capability, smart ADB connection and more
  • Wide range of supported mobile devices across many different brands
  • Extract evidence from mobile phones, SIM cards, drones, SD cards, GPS devices and more

3. SIFT Workstation

sans-sift-workstation-forensics

Created in 2007 by Rob Lee from SANS Institute, the SIFT Workstation is a free Linux Ubuntu distro that is packed with open-source digital forensics and incident response tools.

SIFT is designed to perform detailed digital forensic examinations and incident response capabilities, typically on computer systems. Most of the forensic tools installed onto SIFT requires some form of command-line knowledge, although there are other tools with GUI interface as well, e.g. Sleuthkit.

SIFT Workstation – Key Features

  • File system support for NTFS, raw, HFS+, FAT/exFAT, swap, RAM data and more
  • Evidence image support for E01, raw, dd, ewf, aff, vmdk, vhd, etc
  • Forensic tools installed, such as Volatility, bulk_extractor, imagemounter, libewf, Sleuthkit, RegRipper, etc

4. Sumuri Recon Lab

sumuri-recon

Sumuri’s flagship forensic suite is the Recon Lab. The digital forensics software can take in forensic images, mounted volumes, optical disk images, RAM images and its own RECON FS block image.

Recon is to be installed on a macOS machine, and it has several useful features such as skin tone detection, face analysis, RAM memory analysis, indexing and keyword searching.

Sumuri – Key Features

  • Parse and recover thousands of artefacts with Automated Analysis of macOS, Windows, Android, iOS and Google Takeout files.
  • Advanced forensic viewers for macOS plist, SQLite databases, HEX and Window’s Registry
  • Timeline support for placing events in chronological order
  • Advanced-Data Correlation feature
  • Include Paragon’s Mac Toolbox and Linux drivers
  • Integrated Report Editor
  • Support over 270 unique timestamps

5. Oxygen Forensics

oxygen-forensics

Similar to Cellebrite UFED, Oxygen Forensics is a Russian company headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia and provides mobile forensics capabilities to law enforcement, federal agencies and enterprises.

The forensic software is an all-in-one platform that can extract mobile forensic images, decode them and parse them in its interface for investigators to analyse easily. Multiple extractions can be investigated in a single Oxygen Forensic interface to have a complete picture of all the acquired data.

Oxygen Forensics – Key Features

  • File system-level extraction on most mobile devices
  • Drone forensics possible
  • Bypass screen lock on popular Android devices
  • Cloud extraction – Acquire data from cloud services and storage
  • Support import of call data records

6. Magnet Axiom

magnet-axiom-forensics

Magnet AXIOM is a forensic platform that can take in different types of forensic images (mobile, computer and cloud data), process them and present them in an analytical interface for examiners to find key evidence quickly.

The forensic tool supports the analysis of Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Linux and extraction dumps of over 50+ cloud services.

Magnet AXIOM – Key Features

  • Analyze vehicle data with support for Berla iVE extractions
  • Dedicated artefacts support for most popular and relevant sources
  • Built-in support for GrayKey (mobile acquisition)
  • Analytics tools, such as visualizing connections between people and devices
  • Reporting and Case Sharing feature

7. FTK® Forensic Toolkit

FTK-Forensic-Toolkit

Similar to EnCase Forensic, FTK is a digital investigation solution frequently used by law enforcement and in civil cases. it is primarily used in computer forensics and is well-regarded in terms of its fast processing speed and intuitive interface. It uses distributed processing and true multi-threaded/multi-core support to ingest large amounts of digital data.

FTK Forensic Toolkit is a full disk image collection, processing and analysis solution that parses data in a forensically-sound manner. This allows investigators to preserve the integrity of the data while utilizing time to analyze files and perform advanced deep dives in areas such as data craving and file decryption.

FTK – Key Features

  • Email Analysis
  • Customizable data views
  • Indexing upfront so searching and filtering are faster subsequently
  • Ability to train FTK for facial and image recognition
  • Ability to create custom Python scripts

Bonus

Mac Target Disk Mode

apple-target-disk-mode-two-mac-file-transfer-forensics

Apple has a built-in “Target Disk Mode” feature for all their Mac series of computers. Mac users can boot into this unique startup mode that enables them to perform data transfers from one Mac to another.

The condition here is you must have two (2) Mac computers.

The Mac you initiated in the target disk mode will act as an external hard drive for the other Mac.

To begin target disk mode, do the following steps;

  • Connect the two (2) Macs with the same cable (e.g. USB C or Thunderbolt)
  • Decide on the Mac that you want to act as an external drive
  • If the Mac is Off, start it up and long-press the T key
  • If the Mac is On, click the Apple icon on the top-left > System Preferences > click Startup Disk > Click Target Disk Mode
  • You can start to transfer files by dragging them once you see the disk icon
  • Once done with the file transfer, eject the disk by dragging its icon to the Trash

Related Post

What is the key difference between Data Recovery and Digital Forensics?

7 BEST Digital Forensics Tools [Mobile, Mac, Cloud, Window] Read More »

Battery-Efficient-VPNs

5 Best Battery-Efficient VPNs for Your Mobile Device

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If you’ve ever felt your phone getting warmer and its battery life plummeting when using a VPN, you’re not alone.

Many VPN users have experienced this phenomenon, which often raises the question, “Does using a VPN drain your battery?“.

The simple answer is some VPNs do have a reputation for draining batteries faster than a toddler can dismantle a perfectly organized toy shelf.

However, not all VPNs are created equal. Some, like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, Hide.ME, and SurfShark, have made strides in becoming more energy-efficient, causing less strain on your device’s battery life.

This blog post delves into the world of easier VPNs on your device’s battery, helping you maintain your online privacy without having to carry around a charger everywhere you go.

What Makes a VPN Drain Battery?

A VPN, by nature, adds an extra step in the route your data takes from your device to the server.

This data encryption and decryption process requires more computing power, leading to increased power consumption and, subsequently, battery drain.

Furthermore, keeping a constant VPN connection can result in additional battery usage, particularly when your device struggles to maintain a stable connection in a low-signal environment.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Not all VPNs are notorious battery guzzlers. Certain VPNs, like those we’ll discuss later, are designed to be battery-friendly and energy-efficient.

They accomplish this through a combination of optimized coding, lightweight apps, and smart connection protocols that minimize their power requirements.

Other factors like the type of device, its age, background apps, and even the strength of your internet connection can also impact battery life.

What Are The VPNs That Don’t Drain Your Mobile Battery

We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 VPNs known for their battery-friendly nature.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN has etched its name as one of the most trusted VPN providers in the world, partly due to its superior security features, fast connection speeds, and of course, its battery-friendly operation.

One of the highlights of NordVPN is its lightweight app design. Its developers have managed to pack a plethora of features into the software without turning it into a power-hungry beast.

NordVPN has a well-optimized app that does not heavily rely on your device’s processor, thereby conserving battery power.

This efficiency doesn’t compromise its functionality or security, as NordVPN employs advanced encryption standards to secure your data.

The app also comes with an automatic kill switch that immediately stops all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.

This feature protects your privacy and helps in power conservation as it minimizes unnecessary data transmission.

NordVPN’s Quick Connect feature ensures that your device connects to the fastest server available, reducing the time and power spent establishing a connection.

This smart algorithm selects the best server based on location, load, and other parameters, further adding to the VPN’s energy efficiency.

NordVPN has over 5400 servers spread across 59 countries, ensuring a stable and fast connection, which is vital for power conservation.

Remember, a slow or unstable connection can cause your device to work harder to maintain the connection, leading to faster battery drain.

2. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN, founded by the same team behind the highly secure ProtonMail, takes a no-compromise approach to privacy and security.

Despite the robust security measures, ProtonVPN manages to stay incredibly energy-efficient, thanks to the well-optimized nature of its app.

The VPN service implements advanced security features such as strong encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and an automatic kill switch.

The latter ensures your privacy and aids in power conservation by preventing unnecessary data transmission when the VPN connection drops.

ProtonVPN also offers the option to use lower encryption levels (AES-128) for faster speeds and less CPU (and consequently battery) usage.

However, this does not compromise your security, as AES-128 is still considered extremely secure.

Another standout feature is its Secure Core network. This routes your traffic through multiple servers before leaving ProtonVPN’s network, providing an extra layer of security.

While this feature may require a bit more energy than a standard VPN connection, it is well-optimized to minimize battery drain.

3. ExpressVPN

With ExpressVPN, it’s all about balance. This VPN successfully combines high-speed connections, robust security measures, and battery-friendly operation.

Its app is designed to be lightweight and efficient, thereby minimizing battery drain.

The security standards of ExpressVPN are top-notch, employing strong 256-bit AES encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.

The latter feature is especially useful for preserving battery life by preventing unnecessary data transmission in case of VPN disconnection.

ExpressVPN uses a proprietary technology called Lightway designed to improve VPN speed, reliability, and connection times, while also being light on battery usage.

It is touted as more efficient than traditional VPN protocols, consuming less battery and offering faster speeds.

The app’s user interface is straightforward and intuitive, allowing users to establish connections quickly with the least amount of power and time.

The Smart Location feature automatically selects the optimal server based on your location, further enhancing the VPN’s energy efficiency.

The expansive network of over 3000 servers across 94 countries ensures stable and high-speed connections, which are crucial for conserving battery life.

4. Hide.ME

Hide.ME is a VPN service that stands out for its strong commitment to privacy, high-speed connections, and efficient power usage.

One notable feature of Hide.ME is the sleek design of its app, which is optimized for energy efficiency. This VPN manages to offer a robust set of features while minimizing battery drain.

When it comes to security, Hide.ME utilizes strong 256-bit AES encryption, IP leak protection, and an automatic kill switch that helps conserve battery power by preventing unnecessary data transmission in case of a VPN disconnect.

The VPN service also offers multiple VPN protocols, including IKEv2 and WireGuard, known for their speed and efficiency.

WireGuard, in particular, has been praised for its streamlined codebase and performance, making it less resource-intensive and thus gentler on your battery.

Hide.ME’s app interface is straightforward and user-friendly, allowing you to connect to the best server quickly and easily.

The less time and power spent on setup and server selection, the better for your device’s battery life.

The network of over 1800 servers in 72 locations worldwide ensures that you can always find a stable and fast connection.

This is essential, as an unstable connection can cause your device to work harder, rapidly depleting battery life.

5. SurfShark

SurfShark’s app is designed with energy efficiency in mind. Its lightweight nature ensures it doesn’t excessively drain your device’s battery while providing powerful features.

When it comes to security, SurfShark doesn’t hold back. It offers top-tier 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and private DNS on each server.

This kill switch feature is particularly useful for saving battery life, as it prevents unnecessary data transmission if the VPN connection is lost.

One standout feature is the use of the WireGuard protocol. Known for its streamlined code and performance, WireGuard consumes fewer resources, making it gentler on your battery than other VPN protocols.

SurfShark’s CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, can also help conserve power. By eliminating unnecessary ads, your device processes fewer data, saving both bandwidth and battery life.

The user interface of the SurfShark app is simple and easy to navigate. It allows you to establish a secure VPN connection quickly, reducing the time and energy spent on setup.

Furthermore, SurfShark boasts over 3200 servers in 65 countries, providing a stable and speedy connection.

A stable connection is crucial for battery conservation, as a poor connection can cause your device to work harder, leading to quicker battery drain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Which VPN uses the least battery?

It’s hard to definitively say which VPN uses the absolute least battery as it can depend on various factors, including your device, the strength of your internet connection, and the VPN protocol used.

However, NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, Hide.ME, and SurfShark are all designed with power efficiency in mind and do a great job of minimizing battery drain.

Q2. Does using a VPN drain your battery?

While it’s true that using a VPN can lead to increased battery usage due to the extra processing power required, some VPNs are more power-efficient than others.

The above VPNs have been optimized to reduce battery drain while maintaining excellent performance and security.

Q3. How do I make my VPN use less battery?

You can use a few strategies to minimize battery usage while running a VPN. First, ensure your VPN app is up-to-date, as developers often release updates to improve efficiency.

Second, use a reliable internet connection to avoid frequent reconnections, which can drain the battery.

Lastly, choose a VPN like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, Hide.ME, or SurfShark that is designed to be power-efficient.

Q4. Can a VPN cause my phone to overheat?

Any app that uses processing power can potentially cause your phone to heat up, and VPNs are no exception. However, overheating is usually not a concern with well-optimized VPN apps that manage resources efficiently.

If you notice your phone heating up excessively while using a VPN, it may be worth trying a different VPN service.

Conclusion

Finding a VPN that doesn’t drain your battery can be a tricky task, but we’ve done the heavy lifting for you.

Our detailed review of five power-efficient VPNs – NordVPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, Hide.ME, and SurfShark – will hopefully provide you with the information you need to make an informed choice.

These VPNs offer robust security and privacy features and work diligently to conserve your device’s battery life.

Remember, the most battery-friendly VPN is not just about the least battery drain. It’s also about the right balance of security, speed, reliability, and power efficiency.

So, take your time and pick the one that best fits your needs and preferences.

5 Best Battery-Efficient VPNs for Your Mobile Device Read More »

digital-storytelling-storyboarding-tool

7 BEST Digital StoryTelling & Storyboarding software tools

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An excellent digital storytelling tool is a linear narrative outline for a narrative or story. It can consist of storyboarding, adding scripts, video, sound, etc., and is suitable for educational use or business presentations.

Digital storytelling tools help to visualize your concept in video form, anticipate everything before the actual shooting, and communicate possible issues with your team. Creating animation and comics are also available in some digital storytelling tools.

Table Of Contents
  1. What are the Best Digital StoryTelling and StoryBoarding Tools?

What are the Best Digital StoryTelling and StoryBoarding Tools?

Here are the seven (7) digital storytelling tools you can use.

1. Animoto

animoto-digital-storytelling

Animoto is a free, cloud-based educational video maker that produces videos from most media files, such as photos, videos, music, etc.

There are several professional-looking templates users can choose from. Some useful categories are Education, Amazon Promo, Real Estate, Workplace and many more.

Suitable for;

  • Small business – Capture the audience’s attention with videos
  • HR and People operations – Increase engagement and company culture
  • Marketing Agencies – For brand promotion and product showcase

2. Boords

boords-digital-storyboarding-storytelling

Boords is an online professional set of digital storyboarding and storytelling software tools designed for filmmakers and can be used to create storyboards, short lists and animatics.

Useful features include;

  • Automatic frame and version numbering – sync any changes
  • One-click animatics – complete with frame timing, subtitles and sound
  • Secure online sharing and frame specific comments

3. Canva StoryBoard

canva-storyboarding-digital-storytelling-tool

Canva Storyboard is a free, printable, digital storyboard online tool with plenty of customizable templates for users to choose from.

The drag-and-drop platform has many high-quality images, illustrations, icons, stickers, colour schemes and font combinations.

Canva Storyboard can be used for comic strips, videography presentations, and short or long-form videos.

Once done, users can download the digital storyboard offline or share it easily with others.

4. StoryBoardThat

storyboardthat-digital-storytelling

StoryBoardThat is a free digital storyboarding online creation service that uses the drag-and-drop concept to create outstanding visuals for teaching, learning and communicating.

The storyboarding platform allows for storyboard creation, graphic organizers, comics and visual sets. It includes many layouts, characters and scenes.

Suitable for;

  • Personal use – for Projects, Planning, Graphic Novels, Comics, Books, etc
  • Educational use – Secure (FERPA, CCPA, COPPA, & GDPR Compliant
  • Business use – Over 200 business resources with multi-user account collaboration

5. Plot

plot-digital-storyboarding-storytelling-tool

Plot is an affordable storyboard creator optimized for mobile devices and computer screens.

It is suitable for professional output in film, documentary, television, animation and many more formats.

Useful features include;

  • Adding Script – scenes and action directly into the storyboard
  • Create simple illustrations with included shapes, clipart and brushes
  • Collaborate among colleagues and clients for reviews and comments
  • Exporting offline storyboard for review

6. Pixon

Pixon is a comic and storyboard builder designed specifically for teachers and suitable as an education tool.

Useful features include unlimited classrooms, easy logins using Google or Microsoft accounts and automatic marking of read status.

The content library holds several different topics and is suitable for creating comics that work for any academic subject, such as mathematics or science.

7. MakeBeliefComix

makebeliefcomix-digital-storytelling

MakeBeliefComix is possible for anyone to create comics online, even if they are not good at drawing.

Using simple buttons and choosing from the content library, users only need to pick some characters, add a background scene and include speech bubbles with text to narrate their story.

MakeBeliefComix is a platform for students to create their own comics and tell their stories.

Besides creating comics, there are also interactive PDF printables available, as well as creating interactive journaling e-books.

7 BEST Digital StoryTelling & Storyboarding software tools Read More »

best-audio-metadata-editor-viewer

7 Best Audio Metadata Viewers and Editors

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Hey there, audiophile! Have you ever struggled with disorganized audio files scattered all over your device?

I know I have. Let’s face it; a neat and organized music library isn’t just about vanity—it’s about functionality. It’s about knowing where every audio file resides, who sang it, and what album it belongs to.

Plus, it makes your playlists look spick and span.

But how do we get there? Well, I’ve got the answer. It comes down to this magical thing called metadata—the invisible information attached to your audio files.

Yes, that’s right, your files have been whispering secrets behind your back all this time!

Now, if you’re thinking, “But I’ve got hundreds, maybe thousands of audio files. I can’t possibly organize them all,” hold on to your headphones because I’ve got good news.

Some tools can do it for you—not elves, but close! Let’s dive into the seven (7) best audio metadata viewer and editor tools that will tune up your audio experience.

Table Of Contents
  1. Best Audio Metadata Editor and Viewer
  2. Conclusion

Best Audio Metadata Editor and Viewer

Here are the seven (7) tools that you can use;

1. MediaMonkey

One of the key advantages of using MediaMonkey is its ability to handle a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, FLAC, AAC, and more.

MediaMonkey has got you covered whether you have a diverse collection of music files or prefer specific formats.

The software provides an intuitive platform where you can view, edit, and update metadata tags effortlessly.

MediaMonkey allows you to fine-tune every aspect of your audio files ‘ metadata, from basic information like song titles, artists, and album names to more intricate details such as track numbers, genres, and lyrics.

Additionally, MediaMonkey supports batch editing, saving you time and effort. You can select multiple audio files and apply changes to their metadata simultaneously, making it incredibly convenient for large music libraries or when you want to make consistent modifications across multiple tracks.

Another notable feature of MediaMonkey is its ability to retrieve missing metadata from online databases automatically.

By scanning your audio files, MediaMonkey can fetch accurate and up-to-date information, ensuring that your music library remains organized and complete.

It’s a valuable time-saving feature that saves you from manually inputting metadata for each individual file.

2. Mp3tag

One of the key advantages of using Mp3tag is its ability to handle a wide range of audio formats, including MP3, FLAC, AAC, and more.

Whether you have a diverse collection of music files or prefer specific formats, Mp3tag can effortlessly handle them all. This versatility ensures that you can manage your entire music library with ease.

Mp3tag’s strength lies in its bulk editing capabilities, allowing you to simultaneously modify metadata tags for multiple audio files.

This feature is particularly beneficial if you want consistent changes across many tracks. With just a few clicks, you can edit common attributes such as song titles, artists, album names, and genres, saving you valuable time and effort.

Another standout feature of Mp3tag is its integration with online databases.

By connecting to popular music databases like Discogs and MusicBrainz, Mp3tag can automatically fetch your music files’ accurate and up-to-date metadata information.

This ensures that your library remains well-organized and consistent, with correct tags for each track.

3. MusicBrainz Picard

MusicBrainz Picard can analyze and match your audio files with the correct metadata information.

By employing sophisticated fingerprinting technology, Picard can identify your tracks even if they have missing or incorrect metadata.

This ensures that your music library remains well-organized, with accurate and consistent information for each track.

MusicBrainz Picard’s integration with the MusicBrainz database is a significant strength.

This database is constantly updated by a community of music enthusiasts, ensuring you have access to the most up-to-date and comprehensive metadata for your music files.

Picard utilizes this vast information collection to provide accurate tags for your tracks, including artist names, album titles, track numbers, genres, and more.

Another standout feature of MusicBrainz Picard is its ability to tag your audio files automatically. With just a few clicks, Picard can retrieve and apply metadata information to your entire music library.

This saves you from the tedious task of manually inputting tags for each individual track, especially when dealing with large music collections.

4. Kid3

Kid3 provides a simple platform for editing metadata tags. Its intuitive interface lets you easily view and modify essential information such as song titles, album names, artists, and genres.

You can also add details like track numbers, release dates, and even lyrics, allowing for a more enriched music library experience.

Another advantage of using Kid3 is its batch editing functionality. This feature lets you modify metadata tags for multiple audio files simultaneously, saving time and effort.

Whether you need to update album information for an entire album or make consistent changes across multiple tracks, Kid3 simplifies the process with its efficient batch editing capabilities.

Kid3 also supports importing and exporting metadata, allowing you to easily transfer tag information between audio files or share your metadata edits with others.

This feature is handy to ensure consistency across various devices or collaborate with fellow music enthusiasts on metadata updates.

5. TagScanner

One of the standout features of TagScanner is its extensive support for a wide range of audio formats. Whether you have a collection of MP3s, FLAC files, or other popular formats, TagScanner can handle them all.

This versatility ensures you can manage your entire music library without worrying about compatibility issues.

TagScanner offers a range of tools and options to help you efficiently edit metadata tags. You can easily update information such as song titles, album names, artists, and genres.

TagScanner also supports batch processing, allowing you to simultaneously apply changes to multiple audio files. This feature saves you time and effort, especially when dealing with large music collections.

One of the notable strengths of TagScanner is its ability to retrieve missing metadata from online databases.

By connecting to sources like MusicBrainz and Discogs, TagScanner can automatically fetch accurate and up-to-date information for your music files.

This ensures that your music library remains well-organized and enriched with correct tags, even if your files initially lacked complete metadata.

6. EasyTAG

EasyTAG provides a clean and straightforward platform for viewing and modifying metadata tags. Its user-friendly interface lets you easily edit essential information such as song titles, album names, artists, and genres.

You can add details like track numbers, release dates, and even cover art, creating a visually appealing and well-organized music library.

Another valuable feature EasyTAG offers is batch processing, allowing you to change multiple audio files simultaneously.

Whether you need to update tags for an entire album or modify specific attributes across multiple tracks, EasyTAG simplifies the process by applying changes to multiple files simultaneously, saving you time and effort.

Furthermore, EasyTAG supports importing and exporting metadata, making it easy to transfer tag information between audio files or share your metadata edits with others.

This feature is handy to ensure consistency across different devices or collaborate with fellow music enthusiasts on metadata updates.

7. MetaZ

One of the standout features of MetaZ is its integration with popular online databases such as IMDb and TheTVDB.

This integration allows MetaZ to retrieve accurate and comprehensive metadata information for your music files.

MetaZ ensures that your music library is enriched with correct and up-to-date metadata, from album artwork to artist details and track information.

MetaZ offers a user-friendly interface that makes editing metadata a breeze. You can easily modify essential details such as song titles, album names, artists, and genres with just a few clicks.

Additionally, MetaZ provides the option to batch-process your audio files, enabling you to apply changes to multiple tracks simultaneously, saving you time and effort.

Another notable feature of MetaZ is its support for custom tagging. You can create your own metadata tags and assign them to your music files, allowing for a personalized organization system.

This level of customization ensures that your music library reflects your unique preferences and organizational style.

Conclusion

Each of these tools has its own strengths, and the best one really depends on what suits your needs and your style. But one thing’s for sure – if you’re serious about your audio files, it’s high time to tidy up your library.

Remember, the power of metadata is in your hands. Don’t let those disorganized files ruin your groove. Choose your metadata editor, and let your audio files sing in harmony. Until next time, keep the music playing!

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9 Best Cloud Epub Readers [Online and Web Browser-Based]

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You’ve probably stumbled upon an EPUB file at some point during your digital adventures. EPUB – sounds a bit like a hip, new underground club.

But in the online realm, it’s your ticket to a vast universe of literature and knowledge.

So, you might be wondering, how can I read EPUB files online? Well, you’re in the right place, folks. We’re here to introduce you to the wonderful realm of online EPUB readers.

Now, wouldn’t it be handy if you could read an EPUB file right in your web browser?

Spoiler alert: you totally can. Many EPUB readers work directly within your favorite browser, transforming it into your very own digital library. Neat, huh?

Fun fact #1: The EPUB format is the most widely supported e-book format. It's like the universal language of e-books!

Let’s quickly cover the basics before we plunge into the pool’s deep end.

Why Use an Online EPUB Reader?

So, you might be wondering, “Why go for an online EPUB reader when plenty of software and apps are out there?” Online EPUB readers offer a bunch of perks that make e-book reading a breeze.

  • Firstly, these handy-dandy tools allow you to access your e-books from any device with an internet connection. Yup, that’s right! Your e-books can follow you around, from your desktop to your smartphone.
  • Secondly, online EPUB readers let you store your e-books in the cloud. Say goodbye to your device storage woes! Your device might run out of space, but the cloud? Not so much.
  • Thirdly, many of these readers offer cross-platform compatibility. Whether you’re team iOS, Android, or team Windows, you’re all set.
  • And last but definitely not least, online readers are often free or pretty affordable. Of course, some might offer premium features for a small fee, but many provide a great reading experience right out of the box.
Fun fact #2: Did you know that a web browser-based EPUB reader can save your reading progress even if you close your browser?

Web Browser-Based vs. Online Readers

Web browser-based readers are like your portable tent. They integrate directly into your browser, like Firefox or Chrome. There’s no need for an additional app or software; you add the extension, and you’re good to go.

Whenever you stumble upon an EPUB file online, you open it right there in your browser. MagicScroll and EPUBReader for Firefox are prime examples of this.

On the other hand, online readers are like your package tour. They’re dedicated platforms where you can read, store, and manage your e-books.

Some even have mobile apps so you can switch between devices seamlessly. Google Play Books and BookFusion are among the big names in this space.

What Are The Best Online EPUB Readers

We’ve put together a list of our favorite online EPUB readers to help you find your perfect match.

Here are the nine (9) best EPUB readers.

1. Readium (Web Browser-Based)

First up is Readium, a project backed by the International Digital Publishing Forum. This Chrome extension makes your browser an EPUB-friendly zone.

It’s like turning your browser into an all-access VIP lounge for your EPUB files!

2. EPUBReader for Firefox (Web Browser-Based)

Are you a Firefox fan? Meet EPUBReader. This Firefox extension lets you open and read EPUB files right in your browser.

It’s like having a mini-library tucked into your browser toolbar.

3. MagicScroll (Web Browser-Based)

MagicScroll is a web-based reader that also offers a Chrome extension. This reader lets you scroll through your book continuously – no page-turning required.

Imagine it like a magical scroll unraveling a never-ending story.

4. Google Play Books (Online Reader)

You might have guessed this one was coming. Google Play Books is a big player in the online reader realm.

It allows you to upload and read your EPUB files on any device, like a high-tech backpack that keeps your books safe and accessible wherever you go.

5. BookFusion (Online Reader)

BookFusion offers a cloud-based platform for reading, storing, and managing your e-books. It’s like your personal e-book butler, ready to serve up your favorite titles whenever you desire.

6. LitRes (Online Reader)

LitRes is an online reader that also offers an extensive e-book store. It’s a little like an e-book supermarket, where you can grab a good read and check out in a jiffy.

7. Kobo (Online Reader)

Kobo offers a robust online reading platform with a wide selection of books. Imagine a digital reading paradise with all the bells and whistles.

8. Adobe Digital Editions (Online Reader)

Adobe Digital Editions is perfect for reading digital publications, including EPUBs. Think of it as a VIP reading lounge for your EPUB files.

9. Calibre (Online Reader)

Last but not least, Calibre is a powerful open-source e-book management system that supports the EPUB format. It’s like a personal librarian, managing your e-book collection with efficiency and ease.

Conclusion

In this digital age, reading an e-book should be as simple and enjoyable as cozying up with a traditional paperback. Online EPUB readers offer a convenient way to read your favorite e-books, whether you’re on your couch, on your lunch break, or on the go.

Remember, the key to finding the right EPUB reader is to think about your reading habits, device preferences, and what features matter most.

Don’t be afraid to try out a few options. After all, it’s all about enjoying the journey, not just the destination.

Before we say adios, don’t forget to check out this helpful post on Can Google Drive Open EPUB. It might just be the cherry on top of your EPUB reading experience.

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