Week of April 16 - 21

QUESTION

My online photo editor of choice, Picnik, is merging with Google's Google+ and Picasa. I'm not a big fan of those products. Are there some alternatives to Picnik I can test out? Thanks!
-Clint, from El Paso, TX, listens to my weekly radio show on KTSM 690 AM.

ANSWER

Dozens of my listeners are disappointed that Picnik, the beloved online photo editing software, shut down on April 19. From now on, it will be exclusive to Google, giving some of Google's sites more robust editing tools. For anyone who hasn't used it, Picnik is a robust editing program that rivals some paid software. Fear not, though! There are plenty of free photo editing options on the Web that will do everything you could on Picnik.

Click here as I break down some of the best Web-based photo editing tools. >>

QUESTION

Do you know any information related to college scholarships? My daughter will be attending Lehigh this fall, and I want to drop the cost as much as I can. Thank you!
-Bill from Layfayette, LA, listens to my national radio show on KPEL 96.5 FM.

ANSWER

Congratulations! You must be so proud of your daughter. These days, an education isn't cheap. Lehigh's website estimates the average cost of attendance at more than $50,000 a year! More and more families are spending six figures for a 4-year degree. You don't have to bury your family in loan debt, though. There are thousands of dollars available in scholarships; you just have to look in the right places.

Keep reading to learn how to find the best college scholarships for the student in your life. >>

QUESTION

I just started to listen to your show and became a member a few months ago. I can't normally listen to you live, so I start my week out by listening to you via podcast. I read your article about the iCloud service for Apple and I was wondering - is there a similar service for Android?
- Mike, from Melbourne, FL, listens to my national radio show with his Kim's Club membership.

ANSWER

Yes, Mike, there are ways for Android users to access iCloud-like features. I'll tell you how in a moment. First, let me explain for everyone what we're talking about. For those who don't know, iCloud is a service that gives Mac and iOS users access to their music, photos and files on all of their Apple devices. As its name implies, iCloud is a form of cloud computing. Cloud computing is not just a great way to stream content to all of your devices; it also keeps data from clogging your hard drive because everything is stored online.

Keep reading to find out how to use the cloud on your Android device. >>

QUESTION

I will be taking a trip to Spain in the fall, but I don't speak Spanish! I was hoping you knew of some online tools to help me brush up on the language so I'm not lost over there. Love your show!
- Diana, from Tampa, FL, listens to my weekly radio show on WGUL 860 AM.

ANSWER

Gracias por la pregunta, Diana! That means "thank you for the question" in Spanish. You're right that picking up on Spanish phrases will make your travel easier, and more rewarding too. Although learning a language is a great way to dive into the culture of places you visit, it can be a drain on your time and money. Fortunately, you can use the Internet to learn a language.

Keep reading to learn about a few of the best language services. >>

QUESTION

Hey, Kim. I read some news recently that technology companies are working on a new, faster Wi-Fi. Do you know any more details? I'm shopping for a new router now, but if they're just going to release better routers soon, I might just wait. What do you think?
- Laurie, from Allentown, PA, listens to my weekly radio show on WAEB 790 AM.

ANSWER

It always seems like companies wait until you're fully sold on a technology to release something new. It can be frustrating. The upcoming fifth-generation Wi-Fi, which uses the 802.11ac standard, promises speeds up to 10 times faster than current 802.11n Wi-Fi. We could see routers that use it on store shelves by late 2012, with compatible smartphones and tablets to follow sometime in 2013. That's not exactly immediate availability. So, should you wait?

Find out what advances 802.11ac brings and whether it will be worth the wait. >>

You Need to Know:

The best gadgets money can buy!

Harrods is known for its lavish and super-pricey items. Now, the famous store has entered the technology field and is selling extravagant and expensive high-tech gadgets.

You'll just have to see these to believe it! >>

3 sites to see how much your home is worth

Have you checked your home's value lately? If not, you might be in for a pleasant surprise.

I'll tell you the best ways to check. >>

What's even better than Spring?

That would be winning cool stuff in my latest contest! And my brand new Spring iPad Giveaway, sponsored by Carbonite, is the best of both! I'm giving away the new, third generation iPad absolutely free! Don't wait!

Enter now! >>

As travel season approaches, use your mobile gadget to help make your trips easier. Here are 10 great apps you don't want to travel without.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>

Keep up to date on all things digital with the Daily News at Komando.com. You'll find easy, fast video news releases, too!
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>

It's sometimes easy to forget that we live in an amazing world. In honor of Earth Day, here are some amazing nature photos and other reminders.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>

Do you love clever or inspirational posters? You're about to love them even more with free poster downloads from this website.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>

Video games are a fun way to spend a few hours, but they can be more. I'll tell you how video games are helping medical patients recover.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>

What can a 9-year-old boy do with empty cardboard boxes, packing tape and a ton of free time? Build an arcade of course! But will anyone come to play? Find out in this remarkable video.
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE >>