If you already store most of your data in cloud-based storage services, why is it so important to do a hard backup of your devices?

Oftentimes, when I write something about backing up your computer, I notice comments from people that say they keep everything in iCloud, Dropbox, or some other cloud-based storage system, so they don’t feel the need to back up their computer or iOS device any other way.

It’s true that cloud-based storage services are great for keeping your most important documents safe, but that’s not all there is to backing up your data. Speaking from experience, restoring everything on your computer or phone is a real pain if the only place you keep stuff is in the cloud.

Due to the nature of my job, I regularly restore my Mac or iPhone as new so I can write up detailed how-to guides for restoring from backups, starting fresh, doing clean installs of operating systems, and so on. I hate doing it, but I do it because I love you and want to make sure you know the pro…

Barre is an excellent lifting and toning workout that’s become very popular. It features high repetition, low weight, pulsing exercises with an emphasis on form, alignment, and core engagement. What sets it apart from other exercises is the use of a ballet barre and the incorporation of movements derived from ballet. Luckily, there’s a way to bring Barre classes home with you. These are the best fitness accessories for doing Barre at home.

Bring the barre home

Vita Vibe Prodigy Series Portable Double Ballet Barre

Staff Pick

This portable ballet barre is recommended for at-home and light commercial use. It’s sturdy yet lightweight and features 1.5-inch diameter powder-coated aluminum barres. No tools are necessary for assembly, and it comes with a 10-year warranty. The adjustable, horizontal barre heights range from 6-46 inches off the floor.

From $174 at Amazon From $269 at Vita Vibe

Fixed wall barre

Vita Vibe Fixed Wall Mount Single Ballet Barre

This barre is made …

What you need to know

”Helpsters” is from the same people as ”Sesame Street”.
The show has puppets helping people solve problems.
The second season arrives on April 3.

This trailer has me pumped.

Apple TV+ has shared a new trailer for the next season of its kids’ show from the people behind ”Sesame Street,” and I can’t wait to see ”Helpsters” return to the screen.

The first season of the show was a hit in our household and the news that the second season is about to land perhaps has me more jazzed than my kids. But just watch this trailer and tell me I’m wrong.

They’re back to solve it all. From the makers of Sesame Street, new episodes of Helpsters are coming to Apple TV+ April 3.

Meet Cody and the Helpsters, a team of vibrant monsters who love to solve problems. Whether it’s planning a party, climbing a mountain, or mastering a magic trick, the Helpsters can figure anything out—because everything starts with a plan.

Looks great, right?

You’ll need an Apple T…

You should really back up all of your data. That day you lose it is the day you’ll wish you had listened. Just back it up.

I’m a huge proponent of backing up all the things — your computer, your phone, your tablet, your laptop, your smartwatch. If you store any kind of data on any of your devices, you should be protecting that data by executing a backup plan.

We’ve done the research, gone through the processes, tried the products, and come up with the ultimate guide to backing up everything. Whether you are protecting private information, securing family photos, or just want to keep a log of your daily jog, you’ll find everything you need to know about backing up your iPhone, iPad, and Mac right here.

Backing up: The ultimate guide

Backing up: The ultimate guide
Best backup services and programs for your Mac
Best cloud service apps for your iPhone and iPad
How to back up your Mac
How to back up your iPhone and iPad
How to back up your Apple TV
How to back up your Apple Wat…

Get your hands on these new Nintendo Switch games before they’re all sold out!

It’s new game time! Nintendo Switch has quite a few new games coming out this month, and we’ve gathered them in one list for you! Whether they’re new games or new takes on some old favorites, here are all of the games released for the Nintendo Switch this month!

Our favorites

Trials of Mana

Coming April 24

The 1995 game Seiken Densetsu 3 is remade for the Nintendo Switch! Try out a new class and more battles. Get a new story each time you play by choosing new characters to play as and new companions to join you.

See at Amazon

Code: Realize ~Future Blessings~

Coming April 23

Play as Cardia in 19th century London looking for love. As she gets to know her suitors, she also gets to know herself. Who she chooses is totally up to you!

See at Amazon

Pocket Harvest

Coming April 2

Leave the crazy hustle and bustle of life and take on your own farm. Sell your crops and build it into a tourist attr…

What you need to know

March 31 is World Backup Day.
Yes, that’s a thing and you should totally do it.
Apple makes it super easy for you, too!

Back. It. Up.

Everything has its own day nowadays but World Backup Day is one of the more valid ones. Did you know April 21 is National Chocolate Covered Cashews Day? Of course you didn’t, because it’s ridiculous. But backing up – that’s something we should all be doing.

We’ve been telling anyone who will listen how important it is to back up for years and years and…. you get the idea. It’s so important we’ve even written a whole guide about it. Go check it out right now. Even if you think your backup game is on point, who knows what you’ll learn?

Thankfully, Apple makes backing our things up super easy. Whether it’s iPhones and iPads backing up to iCloud or the ease of moving to a new Apple Watch when the new hotness lands on your doorstep, there’s a tool ready and waiting. Time Machine and iCloud immediately spring to mind, but t…

Quickly charge your iPhone or any wireless-enabled smartphone.

We here at iMore are fans of Anker products. They are well-priced, well-designed, and they work great. Anker’s PowerWave II Stand is an excellent option if you’re in the market for a wireless charger for your iPhone. It does just about everything you’d expect from a charging stand.

Smart charging

Anker PowerWave II Stand Wireless Charger

Bottom line: This wireless charger powers up your phone quickly in a horizontal or vertical position.

The Good

Automatically switches between 5W, 7.5W, 10W, and 15W charging modes
Compatible with virtually all Qi-enabled devices
Place your phone vertically or horizontally
Comes with wall charger
Charges quickly
18-month warranty

The Bad

Only comes in one color

$40 at Amazon

Charge right

Anker PowerWave II Stand Wireless Ch…

Workers had been told they would lose healthcare and pay, however, this seems not to be the case.

What you need to know

A report claims Apple will pay its Apple Park contractors during a shutdown in California.
That’s despite previous claims employees were told they would lose wages and health care.
Apple employs thousands of contractors at its Apple Park campus.

A report claims that Apple will pay contractors who work on its Apple Park campus during a shutdown in California, despite reports to the contrary.

According to the Wall Street Journal

Hundreds of Apple Inc. contract workers at its Silicon Valley campus were told in recent days that their jobs would be suspended without pay as the tech giant curtails work at the offices amid the coronavirus outbreak. But on Monday, a company spokeswoman said Apple plans to pay the hourly workers.

The report notes that contractors had previously told around 75% of its unionized janitors that they would lose wages and health-care b…

So, you saved up all your cash and bought yourself a brand-new iPhone 11, and now you just need the perfect case to go on it. Lucky for you, there is a ton of cases on the market that are kind to your pockets. We took the liberty of rounding up a list of our favorite cheap iPhone cases. Whether you’re looking for something waterproof, dustproof, or video-friendly with a built-in kickstand, this list has you covered!

Clear kick back

ESR Kickstand Case

Staff favorite

The ESR Kickstand Case offers enough polish and protection with its attractive slim TPU body and metal kickstand for watching videos. You can prop it up horizontally or vertically at a 60-degree angle. It comes in black polycarbonate, clear, and transparent black color options.

$20 at Amazon$20 at ESR

Rugged with a kick

Spigen Tough Armor

The Spigen Tough Armor is a durable case made from TPU and polycarbonate that has raised edges that border around the screen with a camera cutout. Moreover, it features …

It will be operated on an ”opt-in” basis and is to be released just before or after the end of lockdown.

What you need to know

The UK government plans to release an app alerting people if they come too close to someone carrying COVID-19.
The app will be operated on an ”opt-in” basis.
It is apparently going to be released just before or after the end of lockdown.

A report claims the UK government is planning to release an app that will alert users if they come too close to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

According to Sky News:

The government is preparing to release an app that alerts people if they come too close to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, Sky News can reveal.

The contact tracking app, which will operate on an opt-in basis, will be released either just before or just after the lockdown is lifted, according to several people with close knowledge of the project.

NHS bosses hope the app will attract more than 50% of the population, …