🎶 Update your AirPods: Too many models to list just got a firmware update. Apple says your AirPods will update when they connect to your iPhone via Bluetooth. To make sure, charge ‘em both for 30 minutes.
Say goodbye to bad Wi-Fi: Solutions for smooth browsing
So, your Wi-Fi is spotty and super slow. Or maybe it’s just unreliable, depending on what room you’re in. The bad news: It could be just about anything. Signal congestion, physical location, firmware issues, hardware limitations or even your internet service provider limiting you.
The good news is you have me, your tech secret weapon, to help you detangle your internet mess.
Yeah, you need to update that
Do you remember the last time you updated your router? (I can see your blank stare from here.) Like all the rest of your tech, do this regularly to get new features, improvements and bug patches.
Take care of this through your router admin page. Try ManualsOnline to look up your model if you need help.
💡 FYI, router firmware updates require a restart. Don’t do it when someone is in the middle of work or watching a movie.
You picked the worst spot in the house
Your router needs to be in a central location, close to where you need strong connections — ideally pretty high up, on a shelf or even mounted on the wall. If your router has antennas, point them in different directions.
Cordless phones, Bluetooth speakers, microwaves and baby monitors can impact speed. This is particularly true with older routers that can only operate on the 2.4GHz frequency.
The kids are downloading games while you’re in meetings.
Too many devices on the same network can slow things to a crawl — especially if some of those devices (looking at you, Nintendo Switch) use a lot of bandwidth. Try this: Put the kids on a separate network.
Set up a different router or kick everyone else to the Guest network. Here’s how to set that up.
3 common mistakes when installing security cameras
Security cameras give us peace of mind that our homes and valuables are safe when we’re away. A doorbell camera can be a significant deterrent for sneaky thieves.
They aren’t failsafe, though. Crooks can jam Wi-Fi-connected video doorbells and rob you before you realize what happened. It’s rare but possible. Tap or click for smart ways to stop them in their tracks.
Let the ink flow: HP’s recent firmware updates block cheaper non-HP ink. HP says it’s for security and to stop counterfeits. Yeah, sure. The folks suing say they were bait-and-switched, and they want repayment for their now-useless off-brand cartridges — plus, a ban on restrictive printer software. I hope they win.
Must-do tech cleanups for your inbox, network and gadgets
The best way to embark on a new year is to start fresh. After all, you can’t make a new beginning if you’re tied to the past. Tech issues can hold you back when you’re trying to leap forward.
Cleaning up your tech is one of the best ways to obtain a clean slate. By tidying up your tech, you can ensure they’re working in tip-top shape. Tap or click here for five ways to quickly clean up digital junk.
Have an HP computer? These dangerous bugs have been unpatched for a YEAR
A great way to protect your data and personal information from cybercriminals is to keep your devices up to date. Microsoft and Apple regularly push out updates that fix vulnerabilities, but it’s your responsibility to ensure your gadgets get those updates.
Fix your Wi-Fi: 10 ways to get faster speeds
You’re relaxing on your sofa with a bowl of popcorn and a remote. You start to stream a popular show, but the dreaded buffering circle rears its ugly head. Nothing is playing, so you whip out the nearest internet-connected device and type, “How to get faster speeds for streaming” or “Tips to speed up a slow streaming service” into the search bar.
These printers are vulnerable to hackers - Update yours now
Some of the essential gadgets you must keep updated include your router and mobile devices. If hackers manage to breach those, they could steal a wealth of information. But that doesn’t mean you can overlook other household electronics.
Update your PC! Patch Tuesday fixes nearly 50 software issues
If you don’t know by now, the second Tuesday of every month has officially become known as Patch Tuesday. Most software developers chose this day to release security patches and firmware updates. Tap or click here for seven free alternatives to Microsoft Word.
9 popular routers are at risk - See if yours is on the list
Your router is arguably the most critical component in your internet network. It serves as the primary point where all wireless devices connect and download information. A vulnerability in the router’s software could spell disaster. Tap or click here if you are sick of slow Wi-Fi speeds.
Want a TV that lasts? This brand promises 4 more years of updates (even for older models)
Technology from companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Google has spoiled many of us into demanding faster, better, and more powerful gadgets. Sometimes features can be added through firmware or operating system updates.
Time to patch your router! Yours might be open to a critical flaw being exploited
It is not just iPhones and Android devices that need the occasional update. Computers regularly require newer software or operating systems to remain impervious to hackers. Tap or click here for 20 security secrets hackers don’t want you to know.
Millions of routers are at risk of hacking thanks to this bug
When was the last time you gave your router a second thought beyond checking the bottom sticker for the password? This device is your gateway to the internet and has its own software and settings. By the way, you should use your own unique, strong password rather than the one your router comes with. Hackers have access to the default password.
Apple makes big changes to keep AirTags from being used to track you
Face it: you’re human and you’re going to lose stuff. Where are the car keys when you need them most? Oh right, always in the last place you look. And where is that remote control?
GPS trackers exist to help you keep track of your things, and Apple’s AirTags have exploded in popularity since being introduced this year. Attach one to anything and it will always be in the first place you look. They have more uses beyond the obvious, however. Think keeping tabs on your kids and pets or tracking a commonly stolen item like a purse. Tap or click here for 10 ways to use your AirTags.
Are your home's router, TV, phones hack-free?
Our homes are more connected than ever before. Between Alexa, smart home devices, and Wi-Fi throughout our houses, there’s no escaping the reach of the internet in our domestic lives. On the one hand, this has made daily living more convenient, with voice command or button services. On the other hand, by connecting everything in our home to the internet, we open ourselves up to hackers, thieves and cybercriminals.
ADT technician hacked home security cameras to spy on naked women
Most people are aware that using smart devices or internet-connected tech can open you up to privacy issues. After all, we’ve all seen news stories about spying or peeping due to smart device hacking.
Many of these stories are about outside cybercriminals taking advantage of loopholes in the system to gain access to security footage or other personal information. Not many involve security issues caused by employees of smart tech companies. Tap or click here to see why five smart video doorbells recently failed security tests.
How to protect your new tech in 5 minutes
So you got some new tech for Christmas. You’re having the time of your life learning the ins and outs of these cool gadgets. There’s just one issue — with new tech comes new problems.
Hackers work faster than the speed of light nowadays, and they’ll attack anyone and anything, including your new goodies. Even the U.S. government isn’t safe from network-crippling cyberattacks. Tap or click here for fresh information on the new cyberattack assaulting multiple agencies.
Tesla hacked and stolen in minutes using a key fob and Bluetooth hack
Smart devices are convenient and make our lives easier. But because they all have computers on board, every one of them is at risk of being hacked at some point.
This is less of a big deal for more mundane smart devices like coffee makers and picture frames. But when it comes to smart cars, security flaws are a huge danger for drivers. Tap or click here to see how a security flaw in key fobs could allow hackers to carjack victims.
Privacy warning: 5 video doorbells failed security tests - See the list
Smart doorbells are growing in popularity, and they’re more readily available than ever. Between Ring, Nest and numerous other competitors, securing your home has never been easier.
But how “secure” are these security devices, exactly? While they may keep us aware of threats to our homes and families in real life, not all of them can handle threats from the digital realm. Tap or click here to see the security settings you need to change on your video doorbell.
Scary bug leaves nearly half of all smartphones exposed to hackers
Hackers are constantly on the lookout for new ways to break into your favorite devices. And usually, we’re pretty good about keeping them out. But sometimes, small flaws in hardware or codes can lead to security issues that can be easily exploited.