A guy who bought a Toyota Corolla discovered a hidden GPS he thinks the dealer installed. When the battery ran out of juice, he checked the OBDII port and there was a tracker. Here’s how he found the tracker.
Top tech myths you need to stop worrying about
Let’s bust some tech myths wide open! I’ve heard them all, and it’s time to set the record straight to keep you ahead of the game.
Myth: 5G causes cancer.
Fact: Relax, folks. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health agencies have done extensive research and found no adverse health effects linked to 5G. It uses the same type of nonionizing radio frequencies as 4G and Wi-Fi, neither of which damage our DNA or cells.
Myth: Closing apps on your phone saves battery.
Fact: Both iOS and Android OS manage background apps efficiently, keeping them in a low-power state. Reopening an app consumes more energy than resuming it from this low-power state. Instead, lower your screen brightness, disable unnecessary notifications and use battery-saving modes.
Myth: More RAM means a faster computer.
Fact: While more RAM can improve multitasking, upgrading your hard drive from an HDD to an SSD will boost performance by reducing load times.
Myth: You should always let your phone’s battery drain fully before recharging.
Fact: Older nickel-cadmium batteries suffered from the “memory effect.” Completely draining a lithium-ion battery in today’s newer phones will shorten its lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries work best when kept charged between 20% and 80%.
Myth: Incognito mode keeps your browsing activity completely anonymous.
Fact: Incognito mode only prevents your browser from saving your history, cookies and form data. It doesn’t hide your activity from your ISP, your employer (if you’re using a work computer) or the websites you visit. For more comprehensive privacy protection, use a VPN.
Myth: You should always use your monitor’s highest resolution.
Rise and shine
Wake up with a smile on your face!
- The new Amazon Echo Spot (44% off) is sweet if you’re looking for an alarm clock-slash-smart speaker with tidbits of useful info to start your day.
- Gradually wake up with a sunrise clock and sound machine, on sale now for $30. It’s not connected to the internet, so it’s significantly cheaper and more privacy-oriented than “smart” alternatives.
- This 10% off alarm clock projects the time and temp in an eye-friendly red light. It has the forecast, too.
- An alarm clock that doubles as home decor with a 6-inch mirror surface; get it on sale for $13.
- OK, so you just want an old-fashioned alarm clock. This back-to-the-basics battery-powered option is 10% off.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Say when: The battery-saver mode on your Android kicks in at a certain battery level. You can set this up under Settings. Steps vary based on the model, but look for Battery > Battery Saver > Manage when Battery Saver turns on.
How to change an AirTag battery
Is your tracker running low on juice? No need to buy a new one for $29 — just replace the battery for a few bucks!
Check your car: A guy who bought a Toyota Corolla discovered a hidden GPS he thinks the dealer installed. When the car’s battery died, he checked the OBDII port and there was a tracker. Uh, why? Theories range from making it easier to steal to selling info on driving habits to insurance companies. Here’s how he found the tracker.
100-degree heat
Cuts your EV’s driving range by 31%. It’s all based on the outside-versus-inside temp; 100 degrees is 30 degrees above a comfortable 70-degree interior. A 10-degree winter day puts you 60 degrees below 70, and so it sucks up 51% of your battery to keep you warm. That’s nearly a full percentage point per degree!
Tips for better iPhone battery life
Phone dying too fast throughout the day? Try one or all of these tips for more juice.
They made too much
Amazon has a hidden overstock outlet section. Items up to 70% off? Yes, please!
- Nice power strip with four outlets, four USB ports, a 6-foot cord and a wall mount, if you’re feeling fancy, for 50% off.
- Mount your phone in the car with this holder that goes right into the air vent (just $13). Works with bigger phones or your chunky case.
- Sweet laser distance-measuring tool that’s 26% off. It works up to 328 feet!
- Set of six mini box cutters for packages and envelopes for 50% off (only $4).
- Big, bright flashlights (990,000 lumens!) with impressive battery life. A two-pack is 50% off.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
🔋 Dead battery: In June 2023, EVs were $8,201 more expensive on average than a gas car — a 25.1% difference (paywall link). Now, one year later, they’re 8.5% cheaper, or around $2,657 less than a gas car. And 46% of all EV owners want a gas-powered car.
Tesla traps toddler inside after battery dies
A girl was saved from a Tesla Model Y in 100-degree weather in Arizona. Plus, two Florida seniors were scammed out of $400,000 in gold, and there’s a nationwide coffee recall. Plus, we talk to Brian Morrison, creator of Free Blockbuster — it’s like those little free libraries, but for movies.
A close call: An Arizona woman’s worst nightmare came true when her Tesla Model Y trapped her 20-month-old granddaughter on a hot morning. After she strapped the toddler in and shut the door, the car’s battery died. Firefighters broke the car window to get her out. Thankfully, the little one’s OK.
32 hours of battery life: Hey, your old earbuds don’t have that! Raycons are so much more affordable than AirPods, have studio-quality sound and they fit securely in every ear. Score 15% off and free shipping right now at BuyRaycon.com/kim.They come with a 30-day happiness guarantee, too!
Excellent price, excellent audio: You don’t have to spend $200 or more for high-quality earbuds. Rayconshave studio-quality sound, 32 hours of battery life, and they fit comfortably in every ear with precise fittings. Grab ‘em for 15% off and free shipping right now at BuyRaycon.com/kim. They come with a 30-day happiness guarantee, too!
Mission impossible: Scientists invented an ultra-thin battery for smart contact lenses that could support facial recognition and eye tracking one day. Here’s the kicker: You charge them with your tears! They’re powered by a saline solution instead of flammable lithium-ion batteries. Insanely cool.
Need a new phone? Samsung accidentally leaked an ad for the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. So, what’s new? Sharper edges on the Fold 6 and a vertically stacked triple camera. The Z Flip 6 looks pretty much the same, but rumor has it the battery life is a lot better. They’re both scheduled to launch next month.
Good price, excellent audio: You don’t have to spend $200 or more for high-quality earbuds. Rayconshave studio-quality sound and a whopping 32 hours of battery life, and they fit comfortably in every ear with precise fittings. Grab ‘em for 15% off (and free shipping!) right now at BuyRaycon.com/kim.
Shoo fly, don’t bother me
Flies are so annoying. You need these on hand at all times:
- This telescopic flyswatter with a stainless-steel handle lets you find your nemesis without getting out the step stool. Get two for $6.99.
- A six-pack of flyswatters (15% off, $10.16) means you can keep one in every room. They also come with adhesive hooks for hanging.
- Keep flies out of your food with the holographic blades on these battery-operated fly fans. A four-pack is 36% off ($28.99). Putting this on my outdoor table, like, now.
- Flying bugs indoors? This bestselling indoor powered trap is $15 (17% off) and will get rid of flies, gnats, moths and more.
- For the outdoors, pick up this $10.49 Terro fly magnet that attracts, traps and kills a variety of flies, including house flies, barn flies and bottle flies.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
$16,000 price tag
For a 4-foot-tall robot. A “humanoid agent AI avatar,” to be exact. Chinese robotics company Unitree’s latest model can walk, run, lift about four pounds and … uh, that’s about it. When is two hours not long? When we’re talking about this robot’s battery dying instead of the duration of something else in your life.