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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.

I can log into my Google account on Windows by using a passkey.

How good are passkeys in 2025 or do I still need a password manager?

Passkeys have been around since 2021, so when can l top using passwords or are password managers still a necessity in 2025?
Alan Truly uses the Canon Selphy QX20 for photo prints at an event.

Canon Selphy QX20 review: a fun, portable printer with photo-quality prints

I reviewed the new Canon Selphy QX20, a tiny, battery-powered printer with dye-sublimation quality for on-the-go photo prints.
1Password and NordPass reviews appear beside one another on a PC monitor.

1Password vs. NordPass: which password manager is best in 2025?

1Password and NordPass are among the most popular password managers so I went hands on to compare features and find out which offers the best value.
A simulated view of Swave-powered AR glasses.

This breakthrough holographic display could make AR glasses a reality in 2026

Swave's HXR chip could be the breakthrough we need to enjoy slim, lightweight, low-cost AR glasses without sacrificing quality or battery life.
The Color LaserJet Pro 4301fdw has good photo print quality on glossy paper.

The 8 best color laser printers for 2025: 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.
Epson's Expression Photo XP-8800 is a compact, all-in-one photo printer with a six-ink color system.

Epson Expression Photo XP-8800 review: a low-cost option for photographers

I reviewed Epson's Expression Photo XP-8800 to check print and scan quality and researched supply costs to find out if it's the right printer for you.
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.
An old photo of Apple's LaserWriter, one of the first laser printers.

40 years ago, Apple cemented its place in desktop publishing history

Apple's LaserWriter started the desktop publishing revolution by making WYSIWYG a new standard that we've come to expect.
The NordVPN logo appears on a MacBook.

VPN Test: How to see if your VPN is working

Not sure if your VPN is protecting your privacy? Here's the best method to check whether your IP address, location, and browsing activity are secure.
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.
The Project Moohan headset.

Samsung’s XR headset and smart glasses: here’s what we know after Galaxy Unpacked 2025

New details emerged about Samsung's XR headset at Galaxy Unpacked 2025. This Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 competitor is looking strong!
The Canon Color imageClass MF653Cdw is an attractive all-in-one color laser printer.

Canon Color imageCLASS MF653Cdw review: a quick color laser for home offices

I reviewed Canon's Color imageClass MF653Cdw, an low-cost color laser printer with good specifications to check its usability and long-term costs.
Alan Truly wears a Meta Quest 3S while driving a Real Racer XR RC car.

I tried three new VR gadgets that make Quest 3 and 3S even better

I tried three game-changing Meta Quest 3 and 3S accessories: Logitech MX Ink, RotoVR Explorer, and Real Racer XR RC car.
Sony's SRH-S1 held in a hand at CES 2025.

Sony’s flip-up XR headset costs even more than an Apple Vision Pro

Sony's expensive new XR headset for CAD design with ring and stylus controllers matches Apple Vision Pro display quality and ships soon.
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.
Alan Truly wears the Meta Quest Pro and holds Touch Pro controllers.

XR headsets are about to have another make-or-break year

Learn why 2025 should be an exciting year for XR headsets thanks to Google Android XR, Apple visionOS, and Meta Horizon OS.
Sticky Password and Enpass pricing appears in a split-screen on a PC monitor.

Sticky Password vs. Enpass: best one-time purchase password managers

Find out whether Sticky Password or Enpass is the best one-time purchase password manager that can autofill your logins forever.
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.
Canon's Color imageClass LBP633Cdw is a sleek color laser printer with an unusual control panel.

Canon Color imageClass LBP633Cdw review: back to the ’90s?

I reviewed Canon's Color imageClass LBP633Cdw, an attractive laser printer with a retro control panel for quick color documents.
Surfshark and Windscribe prices appear in a split-screen on a PC monitor.

Surfshark vs. Windscribe: Which unlimited device VPN is best?

Surfshark and Windscribe are VPNs that allow unlimited simultaneous connections at low prices, but you want the fastest and best overall.
A closeup show the front panel of the Pimax Dream Air with Pimax logo.

This new VR headset matches Vision Pro’s display at the weight of an iPhone

Pimax just announced a lightweight PC VR headset with 4K per eye microOLED displays that looks like a Vision Pro and costs less.
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.
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.