📶 Goodnight, kids! If yours sneak back onto their phones, tablets and computers at night, disable the Wi‑Fi after a specific time. You can do this for all your devices or just certain ones, like your kiddo’s iPad. If you use an app to control your internet, pop in there. Otherwise, log into your router’s web interface. Steps here!
Smart TVs: More loaded with ads than ever
Feeling bombarded with ads every time you turn on the tube? Well, you are. TV manufacturers figured out they could make more money from ad sales and tracking than actually selling TVs.
It used to just be commercials, but now we’ve got pop-ups, home screen ads, interactive ads — you name it. I’ve got the scoop on what’s next, plus some actionable tips to survive the ad avalanche.
How TV makers really rake in the cash
Here’s something you probably didn’t know. TV maker VIZIO makes significantly more money from its advertising and data business than from actually selling TVs.
VIZIO’s Platform Plus, which includes advertising and viewer data, generated $57.3 million in gross profit over a three-month period, while its devices segment, which includes TV sales, made $25.6 million. So, VIZIO’s profit from ads and data is more than double what it earns from selling TVs.
Big names like Samsung, LG and Roku are also stepping up their ad games. Manufacturers and advertisers put on their creativity caps to find ways to make that money:
- Force-feed: Roku recently tested a feature that forces viewers to sit through ads when they click away from their TV’s screensaver to return to the home screen. They also filed a patent to show ads over anything else that gets plugged into your TV.
- Under one roof: In November, Amazon swapped a proprietary operating system into its Fire TVs, meaning they get a bigger take of whatever is sold. Fun fact: Amazon’s ad business had its most profitable year in 2020.
- Till you drop: Brands like Samsung are developing shoppable ads. Soon you’ll be able to purchase stuff right from the tube. They’re exploring games, QR codes and ads you can interact with using your remote.
It won’t be long until you see mega brands like Walmart and Amazon all over your screen. Think of how targeted those ads will be when they combine your purchase and viewing histories.
Tuning out
Watching TV completely ad-free is close to impossible, but there are a couple of things you can try.
Stop the snoop
Smart TVs have what’s called “automatic content recognition,” or ACR, technology. ACR tracks everything you watch to send you targeted ads. Here are the latest steps to shut that down for today’s most popular brands.
Have a TP-Link router? This is serious
They’re linked to security risks and cyberattacks. I’ll show you how to protect your data before replacing yours.
🇨🇳 Chinese-owned TP-Link routers may be getting banned: This is big — about 65% of American homes and businesses use a TP-Link router, along with the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies. TP-Link has been tied to Chinese cyberattacks and lets security flaws slide, making them a big target. And they may be selling their routers for less than it costs to make them — a monopoly no-no. I told you this was coming.
What to know about DeepSeek
Did China just win the AI race? Meet a little-known Chinese startup called DeepSeek. Their AI models are outperforming big names like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini — not just in price but in performance — triggering a global tech selloff. And the surprises don’t stop there. The U.S. government is eyeing another piece of Chinese tech for a potential ban: your Wi-Fi router.
January 11th, 2025
Do you own a TP-Link router? Lawmakers are questioning its ties to China. Plus, my chat with Noland Arbaugh, the first Neuralink recipient, on controlling computers with his mind. Also, Meta shuts down millions of scam accounts, and Gen Z brings back retro cameras.
Is your TP-Link router getting banned?
TP-Link routers, used by 65% of American homes and even the Department of Defense, are under fire for ties to Chinese cyberattacks and ignored security flaws. Also: Steve Harvey’s not dead (thanks, AI), smart glasses might finally be cool, and OpenAI’s chatbot hotline.
Save money on Wi-Fi while on the seven seas: Going on a cruise? Keep your data safe with a portable router (30% off, nice). Once you’re aboard and purchase the ship’s Wi-Fi package, connect the router to their network. Bam, your own private network. Connect all your devices without paying extra for Wi-Fi plans.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
📶 Internet connection cutting out? Try a Wi-Fi extender to cover dead zones. Place it as far from your router as possible where it still picks up a strong signal. Pro tip: Download an app like NetSpot WiFi Analyzer (for Android and iOS) to test your signal quality and fine-tune your setup.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
You can’t see me: An SSID is your network’s unique identifier. Hide it so randos don’t see your Wi-Fi network when they’re scanning for nearby options. To do this, go into your router’s settings, look for Wireless Settings, and tap Disable SSID broadcast. “Kim, how the heck do I access the settings?” Go to No. 1 here.
Hackers are targeting VPN wireless routers: ASUS, TP-Link, Zyxel and Ruckus have already been hit. How it works: They break in, infect your router with malware, then use it to infect others. Warning signs you’re part of a botnet: Weird PC behavior, slow speeds when your internet is working fine, and strange emails and messages you didn’t send. Keep your router updated and run antivirus software.
Avoid a Wi-Fi traffic jam: Most routers let you switch channels for a clearer signal. Log into your router’s online interface. (Check the manual or online guide if you’re not sure how.) Look for Wireless Settings and find the Channel option. Channels 1, 6 or 11 are typically less congested. Reboot your router and you’re good to go.
📶 Goodnight, kids: If your kids sneak back onto their phones, tablets and computers at night, I have a trick: Disable the Wi-Fi after a specific time for all your devices or just certain ones, like your kiddo’s iPad. If you use an app to control your internet, pop in there. Otherwise, log into your router’s web interface. Steps here!
🤑 Amazon’s secret 25% discount: Send your old tech to Amazon through its Trade-in Program and get a gift card for the value. They’ll take just about anything, but if you trade in Amazon gear like a Kindle, eero router system or Fire TV Stick, you get 25% off a new qualifying device. Nice.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
🚨 How Charmin! Major TP-Link warning: U.S. lawmakers want to investigate TP-Link over fears China could use these routers to spy on Americans and the U.S. military. TP-Link is a hugely popular brand, but with routers made in China and a history of security issues, the concerns are real. Feeling uneasy? Here are a few steps to secure your router.
Is your Wi-Fi router spying for China?
Federal officials are raising red flags over TP-Link, warning their products might be linked to Chinese espionage. Plus, Redbox files for bankruptcy, Taylor Swift drops cassettes, and Apple’s next iPhone features AI.
🖨️ Print from your iPhone or iPad: If you have an AirPrint-compatible printer, open your doc and tap the Share button. Scroll to Print > Printer Options > Print. FYI: Both devices need to be on the same network, either via Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable connected to your router.
🗣️ Ring camera hacked: A Texas family got the scare of a lifetime when a man hacked into their Ring camera and whispered to their 5-year-old son in the middle of the night. Even scarier? The video “deleted” itself 15 minutes later. This is your reminder to keep your devices up to date, never use your router’s default Wi-Fi password, set up 2FA and create strong passwords. Watch the scary 42-second video here.
⚠️ Router warning: Linksys Velop Pro 6E and Velop Pro 7 mesh routers are sending Wi-Fi login details in plain text to Amazon servers. That means a hacker can gain access to your network. There’s no patch yet. For now, change your network name and password via the web interface.