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Alan Truly

Alan Truly

Former Computing Writer
Author/Co-Author of 496 articles

Alan Truly is a Writer at Digital Trends, covering computers, laptops, hardware, software, and accessories that stand out as the most unique and effective solutions. Alan also researches and reviews VR headsets, AR glasses, AI, and robotics, the advances that can redefine how we live and work.

As a kid, Alan marveled at Star Trek, Popular Science, and other science news and sci-fi concepts on the horizon. Now, that future is fast approaching as we work from home, converse with computers thanks to AI, and visit the equivalent of a holodeck with VR and AR. The robot revolution began in factories but could soon reach our homes. What a time to be alive!

Alan's degree in Computer Science from Cal State Fullerton set him up for a diverse career centered around advanced technology. His first job in journalism was as a roving reporter and video editor at a cable TV station in Laughlin, NV before returning to California and starting a video production company specializing in computer animation. After the internet boom, Alan shifted to website design and marketing. He also spent several years as COO of a tablet accessory manufacturer, before returning to communications.

With bylines at Android Police, Peta Pixel, Mixed, and Screen Rant, Alan has written about every type of technology from mobile devices, watches, and tablets to drones, electric vehicles, and space habitats. It's all fascinating and all powered by computing.

Alan lives in Nova Scotia, Canada. A tech-enthusiast since his youth, he stays current on what is new and what is next. With over 30 years of experience in computer, video, and photo equipment, you can expect useful tips and insights in his writing. To stay flexible in mind and body, he practices daily yoga, light cardio, and eats a whole food diet, based on minimally processed plants.

When the weather is nice, and sometimes when it's not, Alan enjoys bringing tech on adventures with beach visits and woods walks. There's no better way to review an FPV drone, AR glasses, and 3D cameras.

Whenever the opportunity arises, Alan advocates for animal rights, green energy, and universal basic income to ease the burden of those without a voice and those who are less fortunate. In his free time, he catches up on the fascinating and unfolding UAP revelations that suggest humans aren't the only intelligent species in the cosmos.

Stellar Data Recovery Premium 2025 is open on a Windows PC.

Stellar Data Recovery Premium 2025 review: Big upgrade restores lost SSD files

I reviewed Stellar Data Recovery's three subscription plans and a free version to find out which is best and offers the most value.
Mullvad VPN's app and website appear on a PC monitor.

Mullvad VPN 2025 review: total anonymity for an affordable price

I reviewed Mullvad, a unique VPN with consistently low prices to find out if its total anonymity and layered security features are worth the cost.
NymVPN is open and connected in Anonymous mode on a Windows PC.

NymVPN review: a private, anonymous, and decentralized service

I reviewed NymVPN's new decentralized service that features multi-hop security and encryption with added noise to obfuscate traffic.
The 2025 Proton VPN app is open on a PC monitor.

Proton VPN 2025 review: a scientific approach to security

Proton VPN was created by CERN scientists to protect privacy, so I reviewed the free and paid versions to test how Proton compares to other top VPNs.
Bitdefender antivirus software is open and running a scan on a Windows PC.

Bitdefender for Windows 2025 review: premium protection for all your devices

I reviewed the latest updates to Bitdefender's antivirus and advanced security plans for Windows to test the premium features and check its value.
A NordVPN speed test is open on a PC monitor.

NordVPN 2025 review: Faster, safer, and more bonus months

NordVPN is a popular solution to keep your location and privacy secure, so I went hands-on to test its speed, quality, and ease-of use.
The 2025 edition of 1Password is open on a PC monitor.

1Password 2025 review: here’s why it’s still one of the best password managers

I reviewed top-rated password manager 1Password to check its value and features for cross-platform syncing and sharing.
Malwarebytes 2025 kept the clean design and added a new tab for identity protection.

Malwarebytes for Windows 2025 review: a quick and easy antivirus upgrade

We tested Malwarebytes antivirus software for Windows to find out if its quality, ease-of-use, and support provide enough value for the price.
The NordPass extension is open in a browser on a PC monitor.

NordPass 2025 review: a free password manager with premium support

I reviewed NordPass, the password manager from the makers of the popular NordVPN, to check its quality and value on multiple devices.
The AdGuard VPN app is open on a PC monitor.

AdGuard VPN review: a fast sleeper hit for internet privacy

I reviewed AdGuard VPN and its custom protocol that claims to be faster than the rest without any sacrifice in quality.
Private Internet Access is open on a PC monitor.

Private Internet Access VPN review: a low-cost VPN for all your devices

I reviewed Private Internet Access (PIA), a low-cost VPN that allows unlimited simultaneous connections to find out how fast and reliable it is.
People using the Apple iMac with M4 chip.

How to add a printer to a Mac

Whether you just bought a Mac or snagged a new printer, it takes only a few minutes to connect the two. We’ll walk you through how to add a printer to your Mac.
Alan Truly wearing Xreal One turns to look at virtual ultrawide screens with a blank monitor in the background.

Xreal One review: smart glasses that could actually replace my monitor

Find out why I think the Xreal One with its X1 chip is a game-changing pair of display smart glasses that could actually replace my monitor.
A PC monitor shows ExpressVPN's browser extension in use while testing its speed.

ExpressVPN 2025 review: a premium VPN for fast streaming

I tested ExpressVPN's speed, value, and ease-of-use to find out if this well-rated global video streaming solution is worth the premium price.
The Surfshark Antivirus app is open on a PC monitor.

Surfshark One Antivirus review: Can a VPN really protect against malware?

I reviewed Surfshark One Antivirus to find out whether a VPN service can protect your devices against malware.
Enpass Personal's Vault settings are open showing Google Drive integration.

Enpass review: a password manager that works everywhere

I reviewed Enpass, a password manager that lets me sync logins to my preferred cloud storage provider and take charge of login security.
The EcoTank ET-3850 has great picture quality on glossy paper and does well on plain paper too.

How much is printer ink, and what’s the most economical printer type?

Is that budget printer really a good deal? Ink cartridge prices are a hidden cost that you need to consider when shopping for a bargain.
Alan Truly sits in front of a Windows PC and adjusts a virtual screen while wearing a Meta Quest 3 VR headset.

Windows PCs now works with the Quest 3, and I tried it out for myself

Microsoft and Meta teamed up on a new mixed reality interface for Windows that uses your Quest 3 or 3S to display large virtual monitors.
Surfshark and VPN Unlimited prices appear in a split-screen on a PC monitor.

Surfshark vs. VPN Unlimited: Which VPN offers the best long-term value?

I compared Surfshark and VPN Unlimited, VPN services with long-term plans that can cut your average monthly costs to a minimum.
Tracey Truly shows multi-reflective options with Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses.

Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses get real-time visual AI and translation

Two long-awaited AI features are coming to the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses as part of an upcoming update.
The IPVanish Windows app is open on a PC monitor.

IPVanish review: an unlimited-device VPN with a few flaws

I reviewed IPVanish's VPN service, and weighed the value of subscription tiers against the features to find out if it's a good solution for you.
F-Secure Total antivirus app is open on a PC monitor.

F-Secure Total review: affordable antivirus solution lets you build custom plan

I went hands-on with F-Secure Total, a low-cost customizable antivirus solution to find out how well it protects your computer from malware.
Canon's MegaTank Pixma G4280 with ink bottle on top sit on a printer stand.

Canon MegaTank Pixma G4280 review: Too many compromises?

I reviewed Canon's MegaTank Pixma G4280, a low-cost inkjet tank printer that can also scan and make copies.
Recuva and DMDE pricing appears in a split-screen on a PC monitor.

Recuva vs. DMDE: Which is the best free data recovery software for you?

Recuva and DMDE are powerful and free data recovery apps that can restore lost photos and files missing from damaged drives, but which is best for you?
Alan Truly wears the lightweight and stylish Even G1 smart glasses.

Meta’s Orion is years away, so I tried these advanced smart glasses instead

I tried four advanced smart glasses with heads-up displays for notifications, navigation, and more so you don't have to hold your phone.
A laptop opened to the ChatGPT website.

GPT-4: everything you need to know about ChatGPT’s standard AI model

ChatGPT-4o has officially arrived and now includes the ability to interact with images and longer text.
The Eset Premium app is open on a PC monitor.

Eset Premium review: 2024 improvements aren’t enough

I reviewed Eset's Premium antivirus plan to find out if it offers enough value in malware protection, privacy, and customer support.
Canon's Pixma TS6420a handles double-sided document printing reliably.

The best budget printers for 2024

Searching for a budget-friendly printer option? Take a look at our collection of the finest affordable printers currently on the market.
Sticky Password is open on a PC monitor.

Sticky Password review: the offline, on-device password manager

I reviewed Sticky Password, a low-cost password manager with unique features like offline mode and QR logins.
Brother's MFC-L2900DW is a fast all-in-one monochrome laser printer.

Brother MFC-L2900DW review: a small laser printer and super-fast copier

I reviewed Brother's new MFC-L2900DW, a super-fast all-in-one monochrome laser printer that's designed for busy offices.
Trend Micro Premium Security Suite is open on a PC monitor.

Trend Micro review: strong antivirus protection that’s affordable

I reviewed Trend Micro's antivirus software with new AI antivirus protection to check if this low-cost cybersecurity suite offers good value.
disk drill vs dmde pro and data recovery software appear in a split screen on pc monitor

Disk Drill vs. DMDE: best no-subscription data recovery app

If you've lost photos, videos, or other important files but don't want a data recovery subscription, one of these apps could be the perfect solution.
Proton VPN and Surfshark VPN websites are shown in a split-screen on a PC monitor.

Proton VPN vs. Surfshark: best fast, full-featured VPN

Proton VPN and Surfshark are both great choices for content unblocking and privacy, so we went hands-on to find out which is best and why.
A person enjoys gaming with Viture Pro smart glasses and Pro Neckband.

Viture’s new Pro Neckband grants AR glasses extra superpowers

Viture's new Pro Neckband makes Viture smart glasses into a spatial computing device with hand-tracking, an AI assistant, and more.