Are cellular networks ready for disasters? I share the shocking truth in this one-minute podcast.
Innovative gadgets revealed at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023 event
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2023 just went down in Seoul, South Korea, and there’s much to … unpack. All this drops in August, by the way, though you can pre-order now.
Flip it: The Galaxy Z Flip5, Samsung’s clamshell-style flip phone, got a significant upgrade over last year’s Flip4. The 3.4-inch screen on the front now looks a heck of a lot like the Razr+ from Motorola.
You can use it to scroll through widgets, reply to messages and give your pal a sneak peak of the pic you’re taking when you point the phone their way. At $1,000, do I think it’s worth it? Nah …
Fold it: The Galaxy Z Fold5 is the model that opens up like a book. Not too much different here, aside from a narrower exterior screen, a 30% brighter inside screen and a slimmed-down stylus.
My take: Foldable phones aren’t quite there yet — especially for the price. This one will set you back $1,800.
Speaking of expensive: Samsung’s new tablets are pretty sweet, with AMOLED screens (read: blacker blacks and nice contrast), Vision Booster tech to detect ambient lighting and optimize the screen, 20% bigger speakers and an included stylus that you can stick on via magnent to wirelessly charge.
But, as you can guess by now, they’re not cheap. The “cheap” model, the Tab S9, is $800, and the Tab S9 Ultra will set you back $1,200.
Tick tock: The watches are one place I can see splurging on if you’re in the Samsung ecosystem. They’ll be much more compatible than the Apple Watches and do many of the same things for a much lower price. The Watch6 starts at $300, about $100 less than Apple’s version.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Signs your phone or computer is infected with a keylogger
Hackers and scammers are a constant threat, but they’re not the only ones you must worry about. People in your social circles (or even in your own house) can spy on you by forwarding your calls and texts. Tap or click here to check if your calls are being intercepted and how to stop it.
What will Apple announce for iOS 17 in June?
You know it’s a big deal when Apple rushes out one update after another. The latest iOS 16.4.1 patch addresses zero-day flaws and other security concerns. Here’s what you need to know and how to get the update.
If we go by the release dates of Apple’s mobile operating system going back to iOS 6, we should see the next one this September. And as is usual, Apple will announce what’s coming at its annual Developers Conference in June.
Check your garage! 10 vintage tech gadgets worth a ton of money
Do you have any old coins in the family? They could go for some big bucks. You can at least find out what they’re worth if they have sentimental value. Tap or click here for a site that helps you identify, buy, sell and estimate the value of your coins.
3 ways thieves are stealing expensive phones
Are you often chatting with friendly strangers when you’re out and about? Here’s why you need to stay cautious, in 60 seconds.
Burner phones are good for a lot of things
In the middle of an emergency? I share why a burner phone is always good to have on hand, in one minute.
How to declutter and earn some extra cash this January
A brand-new year means one thing around here: a hard reset on everything in our lives. This includes our closet full of things we no longer use. New Year, new us.
Most of your used electronics and other gear shouldn’t just be thrown into the trash. After all, one person’s trash might make another person’s day. Tap or click here for a list of old tech worth big bucks.
3 pro tips for cold weather and phones
Did you know that snow can do a number on your gadgets? Listen to this one-minute podcast to keep your phones safe in cold weather.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What to do if your iCloud or Google storage is full
Our phones and computers can only hold so many photos. Considering an average of nearly 2 trillion photos are taken yearly, it is no wonder we run out of space. Are you ready for your close-up?
In addition to photos, we have to worry about documents and applications that take up space on our devices. Ever try to download a software update and get that horrific pop-up telling you, we’re sorry, you don’t have enough space? Tap or click here for ways an all-in-one cloud backup will simplify your life.
How to find and delete large files on your devices
Many things can make your devices, whether they be phones, tablets, or computers, start to run slower. One of these things is having lots of large files.
It takes memory to store big files, and power. You can do a few things to improve the battery power of an electronic device — tap or click here to extend your battery life.
Privacy how-to: Hide notifications on your phone's lock screen
Our phones contain much of our personal lives in today’s digital world. From conversations to social media to our private photos, we have many things we may not want the world to see on our phones. Tap or click here to see six social media privacy mistakes you’re making.
Tech smarts: 5 silly ways you’re flushing money down the toilet
For a columnist and national radio show host focused on technology, you might be surprised how often I’m asked about money.
It makes sense. We spend a ton of money on gadgets, and there’s always something new and shiny. Before you spring for a new phone, give yours this deep clean. You’ll be surprised what a difference it makes.
Have you seen this latest Wi-Fi network naming trend?
When it comes to tech, speed is the name of the game. We want our phones to load apps faster, we want our computers to boot in an instant and we want our internet to work at lightning speeds.
Even if you have the latest and greatest device, it won’t work to its full potential if you’re not using it properly. Your router, for example, needs to be located in a spot where it can reach you and your connected devices without interference. Tap or click here for our report on proper router placement.
10% check phones after sex and other smartphone stats
How addicted are you to your phone? Listen now for some surprising confessions from Americans like you.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Complete guide to robocalls: How to stop them once and for all
Robocalls are the most annoying modern tech drawback found on phones. In fact, when my team publishes an article on Komando.com about stopping robocalls, we know it’ll be one of our most-read articles of the week.
It’s not hard to see why. Robocalls interrupt us constantly, fool us into answering with numbers that look a little too familiar, and scam Americans out of millions of dollars every year.
Complete guide to changing default apps on Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac
Phones and tablets have been the entertainment and communication lifeline we’ve all needed during these troubling times. But, your device usually comes with pre-installed apps that could be a default email program, a texting app, or even a photo app. The problem is they may not be the ones you prefer to use.
Update now! Microsoft releases an emergency Windows 10 patch
Keeping your phones, tablets and computers updated is a critical function we’re always advising you to stay on top of. That’s because most operating system and app updates come with security patches that protect your device from cybercriminals.
This simple iPhone task could expose your personal data
Modern phones often come with built-in features we all take for granted. Things like voicemail, caller ID and notifications are so commonplace it can be hard to imagine phones without them.
But one unsung feature found on every phone, tablet and even computers has had a huge impact on users: copy and paste.
Tech how-to: Convert old CDs, tapes and vinyl to digital
Do you remember the last time you listened to music on a CD? If not, you’re not alone. As we’ve transitioned into the digital age, many of our media staples like discs, tapes and records have gone the way of the dinosaurs in favor of streamed digital files from subscription services.