Your tech could interfere with medical implants — How to stay safe

Most of us know someone with implanted pacemakers or defibrillators — and I’m willing to bet those people use tech in their everyday lives.

Here’s the scary news: Magnetic fields from everyday tech can cause life-saving devices to malfunction. Yes, iPhones are on the list, but so are iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods, Macs, HomePods and Beats. 

Don’t think for a minute that this issue is limited to Apple products. Android phones or any brand of earbuds, wireless headphones or smart watches could cause problems, too.

📏 Remember the six-inch rule. Keep this distance between your pacemaker or defib and electronics. Make it eight inches to be on the safe side. 

What about your head?

Some studies found a possible link between cellphone use and cancer, especially brain tumors. Other studies say pressing a phone to your head is fine. Nope.

Your phone emits radiofrequency radiation even when you’re not using it because it’s always in contact with the nearest cellphone tower. 

While the FCC and FDA say there’s no consistent scientific proof that cellphone radiation causes cancer, they’re basing that decision on data collected 20 years ago. I know, right?!

Some steps to take now

  • Never put a cellphone to your ear. Use speakerphone.
  • Use your phone only when it has good reception. Radiation levels are higher when the phone works harder to get a signal. 
  • Bluetooth headphones and earbuds are OK because they use a lower power level.
  • Women: Don’t put your phone in your bra. Men: Don’t carry your phone in your pants pocket. Here’s why.

There are other ways to minimize your exposure to cellphone radiation. I’ve got your back here.

❤️ My brother and two friends have pacemakers. I texted them this life-saving information. If you know anyone with a pacemaker or defibrillator, you should share, too.

4 podcasts to fix your awful night's sleep

Do you struggle to sleep throughout the night? If you need extra help getting eight hours, download one of the best sleep aid apps onto your iPhone or Android.

Sleep helps avoid illness, reduce stress, and think more clearly. Get this: A single restless night can cause an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, Harvard reports.

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Get audio for the muted bar TV: At a loud bar or party and wanna watch the game? Tunity is a free app that scans the TV and gives you audio for your earbuds or headphones. Get it here on iOS or Android. So cool.

Kamala Harris' pearl earrings

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Rumors are circulating that Vice President Harris may have worn disguised earbuds during the debate. Here’s what I uncovered.

Affordable, quality tech: You don’t have to spend $200 or more for high-quality earbuds. Raycons have studio-quality sound, noise cancellation, 32 hours of battery life, and they fit comfortably in every ear with precise fittings. They also pair with two devices so you can share them. Grab ‘em for 20% off (and free shipping!) right now at BuyRaycon.com/kim.

Your tech is gross! 5 things you forget to clean

Bad habits can catch up with you. Like any other chore, keeping your tech clean can almost feel like a full-time job. Tap or click for steps to clean tech the right way.

You probably give your smartphone screen a good wiping down now and then. You might even dust your PC keyboard from time to time. But we’re sure there are tech gadgets that you don’t think about cleaning. No worries. We can help.

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Earbuds always falling out? Try these 4 fixes

If you’re anything like us, you love the comfort and convenience of wireless earbuds. Like their wired predecessors, many find one major obstacle between tranquility and a constant annoyance: Why won’t these things stay in my ears?

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Apple's AirPod game changer

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Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 just got FDA approval to double as hearing aids. But can they really pull it off? Find out what makes these earbuds more than just a great way to listen to music.

How to keep your AirPods in your ears

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Do your earbuds always seem to fall out? I’ve got a great trick to keep them in place.

Top-of-the-line earbuds under $65: I just checked, and Apple’s AirPods are $129 for the lame basic model … and the ones you really want are almost $200. Try Raycon earbuds instead for studio-quality sound and a whopping 32 hours of battery life. Grab ‘em right now for 20% off (and free shipping!) at BuyRaycon.com/kim.

Tech on a budget: You don’t have to spend $200 or more for high-quality earbuds. Raycons have studio-quality sound and a whopping 32 hours of battery life, and they fit comfortably in every ear with precise fittings. Grab ‘em for 20% off (and free shipping!) at BuyRaycon.com/kim.

Bose’s new earbuds don’t go inside your ears: They’re meant to wrap around the outside of your ear, and a silicone arm pipes in the music. Smart if you’re a cyclist, walker or runner, so you can hear cars and other people. And, score, 48 hours of battery life. Check ‘em out.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Your earbuds are gross – Here’s how to clean them the right way

It’s a bit stomach-turning when you think about the germs, viruses, grime, and other crud covering our devices.

Dust can do a surprising amount of damage to your TV. Particles find their way into every crack and crevice and stay there unless you do something about it. Tap or click for the safe steps to clean out your TV’s ports — and shine up the screen.

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The best way to clean AirPods, Galaxy Buds and other wireless earbuds

When we love our tech goodies, we want to keep them close by. There’s just one problem: Well-used tech can quickly accumulate all sorts of contamination, from dirt, dust, pocket lint, body oils and even dead skin cells. Go too long without cleaning, and your gadgets could degrade.

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Problems with your AirPods? Get them repaired for free

You spend a lot of money on tech, and it should be a given companies stand behind faulty products. Sometimes a company needs to be exposed and have its dirty laundry aired out before fixing it. This was the case with Apple a few years ago when it admitted to throttling the performance of older iPhones. The company implemented a program for reduced-price battery replacements.

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Netflix for Android just got a big upgrade - here's how to use it

Streaming services make it easy to get all of the content you’re looking for without the high cost of a cable subscription. They’ve really come in handy during the pandemic.

But while there are plenty of streaming services to choose from, you may not know which one works best for you. There are tons of different options, from Netflix to Hulu and even lesser-known services that recently rolled out. Want to save even more money? Tap or click here for money-saving streaming pro tips.

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The best accessories for your new Android tech

Now that the holiday season is just about past us, you’ve likely already gotten acquainted with your new Android tablet or phone. That means you probably have a good idea of what it can do, and now you’re thinking of ways you can improve it.

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9 Apple AirPods tricks you'll wish you knew before now

AirPods were a holiday season top seller, and if you haven’t already cut the cord on your earbuds, you can expect to do so soon. Small, sleek and Bluetooth-enabled, AirPods have turned regular old earphones into dynamic devices in their own right, and they have only improved with each generation.

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20 problem-solving gadgets that'll help make your tech troubles disappear

When was the last time your phone died while you were running errands? Have you shattered any phone screens lately? These common issues pop up for all of us, at least every once in a while. The thing is, they don’t have to be problems at all. There are some easy ways to keep your phone from dying or your screen from shattering into hundreds of tiny pieces, but it’s tough to know what they are.

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The one hack you need to properly clean your earbuds

Chances are you have more than a few pairs of earbuds lying around the house, and chances are you haven’t been cleaning them as much as you should. Earwax buildup on your earbuds is gross and can even inhibit audio quality, but we’re here to show you how to clean your earbuds without any fuss.

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