Plus, take a great pic of the moon on your Samsung phone? That might be the work of AI. Google’s newly introduced “Magic Wand” tool will change the workplace. Earn real college credits on YouTube and a guide to detecting GPS trackers on your car.
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.
Quickly access the secret menu on your Android phone
When cell phones first came out, they did one thing: Make phone calls. Our smartphones now are supercomputers stored in our pockets, and most of us don’t tap into their true potential. Tap or click here for seven things you didn’t know your Android could do.
7 annoying Android problems and how to fix them
You love your Android smartphone, right? There’s a lot to like. The operating system is fast, flexible and usually safe. It’s also highly customizable when compared to iOS.
Of course, no device is perfect, and Android has a few annoying features. We have solutions to fix these annoyances. Note: Several manufacturers make Android smartphones. So the steps you use to fix these problems may vary from the ones below.
Finally, smart home tech is smart
It’s been the perennial problem with smart home tech: Nothing talks to each other. Your Ring doorbell, Nest thermostat and Wyze light bulbs are all great, but opening three different apps is annoying. Tech companies aren’t really known for cooperating.
Apple, Google, Amazon, and Facebook are always listening unless you change these settings
I use my voice to get a lot done. Siri sets meetings for me, silences my phone and lots more. An Amazon Echo can help find your phone, lock the front door and drop in to chat with loved ones.
What’s the downside of always-on devices that listen for commands? Nearly all voice-activated technology uses microphones that listen for “wake words.” That means they are, technically, always listening.
10 tech company customer service phone numbers plus a secret way to know wait times
If the long wait times and hard-to-find numbers don’t make it clear enough, I’ll say it: Tech companies don’t want to talk to you.
Here’s a secret I bet you didn’t know. You can have Amazon call you if you have a problem with an order or anything else. Tap or click here for the secret spot on Amazon’s website.
Apps with 421M downloads … and hidden malware
Sorry, Android users. More bad news for you on the app front. (I know, it never ends.) Security researchers at Dr. Web found spyware in more than 100 popular apps. The most popular ones on the list have over 100 million downloads.
Yes, your smart TV is spying on you - Here's how to stop it
Smart TVs are big money savers compared to other tech on the market. They include built-in apps that can save you from buying streaming devices like a Roku or Fire TV Stick.
As with any smart technology, there’s a price to be paid for the convenience. In return for an always-connected experience, smart TVs collect data on users — a lot of it. Tap or click here to listen to Kim’s Daily Tech Update about the smart TV dilemma.
Apple and Google are working together to solve this major security issue
Apple and Google are teaming up to inform you of unwanted AirTags and other Bluetooth tracking devices nearby. What took them so long?
The tech rivals want to make unwanted tracking detection an industry standard. This way, all Bluetooth trackers will be compatible with tracking detection and alerts on iOS and Android devices.
Delete these malicious Android apps immediately
We’ve warned you about Chinese apps you need to remove from your phone, and now we need to look to another part of the world.
Over 60 Korea-based apps were removed from Google Play and the ONE store (Korea’s biggest app store). The apps were downloaded more than 100 million times. Here’s what you need to know
Tech is expensive! Ways you’re wasting money and smart fixes to save
Look around your house. How much do you think you have spent on gadgets and tech subscriptions over the years?
With shiny new gear popping up daily and yet another streaming service there to woo you, it’s hard to stop the flow of cash. I can help. Here are all the best ways to scan without shelling out money for a scanner. You’re welcome.
Steve Jobs resurrected with AI, shocking scam uses Uber drivers & urgent iCloud warning
Plus, Allie has a dire warning for Samsung and Pixel owners, Matt tells us how to remote help for free, make money writing wedding vows and speeches, and a hilarious joke to end it all!
eBay's dead bats, Venmo shares dirty little secrets & items Amazon won't let you return
Take an incredible pic of the moon on your Samsung phone? It might not be all you. Also, I share how Google’s newly introduced “Magic Wand” tool will change the workplace. And want to fact-check news from home or earn real college credits on YouTube? I got you covered. Don’t miss my guide to detecting GPS trackers in your car.
Check this list - Phones vulnerable to a new no-click hack
Researchers recently discovered that certain mobile phones suffer from a severe flaw where no user interaction is required to be hacked. These are called no-click hacks, and often the criminal only needs to know the target’s phone number.
Here's what Samsung knows about you - and how to delete it
No matter who your phone manufacturer is, you can be sure of one thing: data collection, often enabled by default. Many brands claim these features are designed to improve the user experience. But, to some, the methods and the data collected may feel too personal.
I'm using an alarm clock for the first time in over 10 years and it's great
Charging your phone overnight not only shortens battery life over time, but it can also be dangerous. Here’s how to safely charge your phone and avoid disaster.
While the all-in-one nature of your smartphone is great, you may want to stop using it as an alarm clock for waking up in the morning. Here’s why.
How to get the most money selling your old cellphone
When you upgrade your smartphone, don’t throw the old one in a drawer. With the right site, you can turn your dusty old electronics into a source of income.
In this tip, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people have when selling old devices. Plus, we’ll introduce you to a valuable new site to help you make money.
Don't want to use Google Pay? Samsung has its own digital wallet app
Samsung Wallet is a hybrid of two existing apps: Samsung Pay and Samsung Pass. This all-in-one app allows you to pay in multiple ways and store sensitive information. But how does it work?
If your Galaxy smartphone is compatible with Samsung Pay (Android 9 or above, not available on iOS), you can use Samsung Wallet.
Recall alert: These washing machines can start a fire
Did you know a few common mistakes could cause damage to your home appliances? It’s true. Tap or click here for 10 bad habits to avoid that could ruin appliances.
But things got even dire for specific washing machine models this week. Over half a million machines on the market since June 2021 are being recalled due to potential fire hazards. They could cause smoke, fire and even property damage.