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Alan Truly

Alan Truly

Computing Writer

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.

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.
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.
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.
Proton VPN Plus and Mullvad websites appear in a split-screen on a PC monitor.

Proton VPN vs. Mullvad: Which is the best open-source VPN?

I compare Proton VPN Plus and Mullvad, two open-source VPNs with a strong privacy focus and fast servers worldwide, to find out which is best for you.
The LastPass web app is open on a PC monitor.

LastPass review: Is this popular password manager still worth using?

I reviewed LastPass, a low-cost password manager with that supports a wide range of devices and offers convenient login sharing for families.
Mullvad and Windscribe VPN pricing appears in a split-view on a PC monitor.

Mullvad vs. Windscribe: best VPN for monthly service

Unlike most VPNs, Mullvad and Windscribe offer great deals without requiring an annual subscription — but which is best for you?
Canon's Color imageCLASS LBP674Cdw is a sleek but sturdy color laser printer.

Canon imageCLASS LBP674Cdw review: quick and compact color

I reviewed Canon's Color imageCLASS LBP674Cdw, a fast color laser printer with sleek styling and a large color touchscreen.
DMDE Professional data recovery software is open on a PC monitor.

DMDE review: How good is this free data recovery software?

I reviewed DMDE, a powerful, free, and low-cost data recovery app to test how well it restores files from HDDs, SSDs, and removable drives.
Fionna Ahomuoh using the Meta Quest 3 VR headset.

The best VR headsets for 2024

Check out our list of the best VR headsets from Meta, Apple, Sony, HTC, and Pimax to help you find the perfect system for VR and mixed-reality gaming.
The EcoTank ET-3850 is a rare printer that lets me print envelopes from my phone.

The best inkjet printers of 2024: tested and reviewed

Find the best inkjet printers for your home or office. Are you looking for speedy or durable printers with the latest features? Our guide can help you out.
MiniTool's Power Data Recovery app is open on a PC monitor.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery review: buy it once and use it forever

I reviewed MiniTool's Power Data Recovery, a file restoration app from the company known for popular hardware utilities like Partition Wizard.
Alan Truly is enjoying a VR game with the Pimax Crystal Light.

Pimax Crystal Light review: a new standard for affordable PC VR

I reviewed the Pimax Crystal Light, an affordable PC VR headset that boasts high-resolution displays with local dimming for lossless gaming quality.
The Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw has good photo print quality on glossy paper.

The best color laser printers for 2024: tested and reviewed

Color laser printers are a smart choice for home offices and small businesses, but which should you buy? Here are our top picks for every budget.
HP's low-profile Envy 6155e sits on a white printer stand.

HP Envy 6155e review: a stylish printer made for Instant Ink

I reviewed the HP Envy 6155e, a sleek, budget all-in-one printer that relies on HP Instant Ink to keep supply costs low.
Avast One is open on a MacBook Air.

Avast One for Mac review: a free antivirus is all you need

I reviewed Avast One's free and paid plans for macOS, testing prevention, protection, and more to check its value for Mac owners.
VPN Unlimited is open in full screen mode on PC monitor.

VPN Unlimited review: a lifetime of privacy protection

I reviewed VPN Unlimited, a privacy and unblocking service that offers a unique lifetime plan that promises incredible long-term value.
The Color LaserJet Pro 4201dw works with all my devices and prints well on a variety of media.

The best printers for small businesses: inkjets and lasers

Here are the best laser and inkjet printers for small businesses, a selection of fast, reliable multifunction printers durable enough for a busy office.
Meta gave the Quest 3S passthrough cameras that are good enough to check my phone without taking the headset off.

You’ll soon be able to use a phone without leaving your VR headset

Want to use your phone in VR? Meta and Lenovo are working on high-quality mirroring to connect Motorola phones to your Quest headset.
McAfee+ Premium's Total Protection app is open on a MacBook Air.

I reviewed McAfee+ Premium for Mac and found it to be a questionable bargain

I reviewed McAfee antivirus for Mac to find out it the added protection is worth the subscription costs and if it integrates well with macOS.
Epson's EcoTank ET-3850 is a compact all-in-one inkjet tank printer.

Epson EcoTank ET-3850 review: an affordable and fast tank printer

I reviewed the Epson EcoTank ET-3850 to find out if this fast and affordable all-in-one has good enough quality and features for your home office.
Alan Truly holds a Meta Quest 3S and Quest 3.

Why you should buy the Quest 3S instead of the Quest 3

Meta's new Quest 3S is a great mixed reality headset that's good enough to challenge the more expensive Quest 3. So which is best for you?
I can use my hands instead of controllers in many games and apps.

Meta Quest 3S review: the perfect introduction to VR gaming

I reviewed Meta's Quest 3S, a budget VR headset with mixed reality and AI, to test its quality and value as an upgrade or a first headset.
Mullvad VPN is open on a PC monitor.

Mullvad VPN review: total anonymity for an affordable price

I reviewed Mullvad, a unique VPN with consistently low prices to find out if its speed, features, and reliability are worth the cost.
With the Viture Pro Dock, my wife and I can watch videos together while wearing smart glasses.

Viture solved the biggest problem with smart glasses

Pocketable smart glasses can provide a huge virtual screen for movies and games but, one big problem remains — sharing. Until now, that is.
Microsoft Defender and Edge Security settings are open on a PC monitor.

Microsoft Defender review: Is Windows default antivirus safe enough?

I reviewed Microsoft Defender to find out how well the free antivirus software included with Windows protects your computer and your personal data.
My two monitor PC sits unused while I use the Xreal Air 2 and Beam Pro with Bluetooth accessories.

Xreal vs. Apple Vision Pro: Why I chose Air 2 and Beam Pro

Xreal's Air 2 and Beam Pro are put to the test as a low-cost alternative to Apple's Vision Pro for spatial computing and 3D photos and videos.
Surfshark VPN on Mac protecting user data.

The 10 best VPN services for 2024, reviewed by experts

It's scary knowing your data might not be private. VPNs help shield your online activities. To help you pick the right one, these are the best VPN services.