Younger people are turning to AI chatbots, TikTok and Reddit for answers instead. Gen-Z is also sticking with older cars to avoid new tech and high costs. Plus, Chipotle is using robots for avocado prep, and we’ll show you how to turn your smart TV into a photo frame.
Privacy tip: 5 ways you’re being tracked you must stop right now
Online privacy is an oxymoron. For example, an advertiser ID on your phone is supposed to keep your location anonymous. Are you surprised it doesn’t? Me neither. Tap or click here for steps to see and remove your advertiser ID.
It’s not always advertisers and Big Tech spying. A stranger or someone you know might be poking around your accounts. Tap or click for a quick check you must do to keep your Facebook, Google and Netflix accounts secure.
Privacy isn’t a given. Here are five ways to take as much as you can back.
1. Everyone’s least favorite kind of cookie
You collect cookies when you browse the web on your phone, computer or tablet. These bits of data store information about the websites you visit. Cookies store your logins, personalization settings, advertising information and other details.
The upside is that cookies save images and files and stop you from having to log in every time you visit a site. But these cookies contain a lot of your details. Fortunately, you can delete cookies manually in a few steps.
Tap or click here to delete cookies from your phone. Hit this link for steps to clear cookies from your computer’s browser.
Better yet, use Incognito Mode. When you surf the web Incognito, your browser doesn’t save your history, cookies, site data or information you enter in forms. It does keep any downloaded files or bookmarks created during the session.
Be warned: Your internet service provider can still see your activity, as can a school or employer providing your internet access or computer.
To go Incognito on Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, press Ctrl + Shift + N (or Command + Shift + N on Mac). Tap or click for three times you should always browse Incognito.
For even more privacy, fire up a VPN. A virtual private network, or VPN, is a layer of protection between your devices and the internet. It hides your IP address and your location. It also encrypts your data after leaving your device and traveling to whatever website you’re visiting.
Don’t even think about using a free VPN. At best, it will lack the necessary privacy features and slow you down. At worst, it’s hiding malware or tracking your information. My pick is ExpressVPN, the VPN I used before they became a sponsor of my national radio show.
The real reason TVs are so cheap: No more privacy
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a big-screen TV, you couldn’t be around at a better time. That’s because TVs are much cheaper today than just 10 years ago. Sadly, the luxury comes at a steep cost — especially if you value privacy.
🍿 Grab the popcorn: If you watch YouTube on your smart TV, you’ll soon see ads when you pause a video. The video shrinks to the left and a sponsored ad column takes over the right side. To remove the ad, either resume playback or hit the “Dismiss” button. YouTube is also testing longer, unskippable ads. You can escape them with YouTube Premium, but that’ll cost you $13.99 a month.
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.
Your TV is spying on you, but you can stop it
Fun fact: The first Compaq Portable computer shipped in 1983 and cost more than $8,400 in today’s dollars. Wow, times have changed.
Still, your computer is a significant investment, and you want it to perform well for years. Tap or click for my five-minute fix to speed up your PC.
Stop your Smart TV from tracking you
Feeling like your Smart TV is tracking your every move? Here’s how to stop it, in one minute.
Turn your old TV into a smart TV for $30 or less
Do you have an old television lying around? Listen to this one-minute podcast to turn it into a smart TV.
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Easiest ways to connect your smartphone to your TV
The line between your various gadgets is blurring by the day. You can connect your tablet to your surveillance system and your smart speaker to your refrigerator. You can see who’s at the door from your computer and adjust the thermostat from your phone.
Why you might start seeing ads over what you're watching on Roku
At this point, seeing targeted ads on sites like Facebook is no surprise. The good news is you don’t have to live with them. Tap or click here for ways to stop ad tracking on Facebook.
But the last place you’d expect to see targeted ads is through your television. If you have a Roku TV, don’t be shocked when ads start popping up while you’re streaming your favorite show.
5 things you didn't know your smart TV could do
More and more people are cutting the cord in exchange for streaming services. You can watch Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video and more via a smart TV or streaming box.
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to streaming devices and smart TVs. As displays get larger and streaming sticks get smaller, how do you know which is best for you? Luckily we put together a list to help you choose. Tap or click here for the best streaming device and smart TV options.
10 Roku tips and tricks you wish you knew before now
Streaming services have gained popularity as some major movies and TV shows premiere on these services. People are cutting the cord in favor of Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Disney+ and more.
If you have a newer smart TV, you can download and install most major streaming services right out of the box. Older TVs and those without smart technology can still bring you the latest content via streaming players. All you need is an HDMI port. Tap or click here to check out the differences between Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV and Chromecast.
If you use a Roku, get ready for more ads
There is no doubt that streaming services have exploded over the last few years. More people have flocked to Netflix, Hulu or Disney+ than ever before to get their viewing fix. For the most part, basic access to these services is relatively affordable. Yes, your smart TV is spying on you – Here’s how to stop it.
Tech how-to: Show photos saved on your phone on your TV
When our TVs were smaller, seeing that black screen wasn’t a big deal. In the age of cheap big screens, they’re an eyesore. And if you’re not watching anything, why not display your favorite photos? Here are a few easy ways to get the job done, straight from your phone.
Easily display photos from your phone on your TV
Televisions have come a long way, and the newest models have some impressive tricks. Tap or click here to check out a $100K rollable screen TV. If you add in some handy gadgets that can plug into them, like a Chromecast or Roku, your TV can do just about anything.
I had a personal demo of LG's $100K TV – Here's why I think it's actually worth the money
A true once-in-a-blue-moon technological gem hit the scene at CES back in 2018: a prototype TV from LG with a screen that could roll out of a floor cabinet like a piece of paper.
Three and a half years later, this 65-inch rollable TV isn’t a prototype anymore, and you can order your own LG Signature OLED R right now. The focus has shifted from the marvel of a new type of technology, though, and now all anyone is talking about is its $100,000 price tag.
Review: SideTrak Solo portable monitor
I remember long ago when having a single computer monitor for work was common. Thinking back, I’m not sure how I was ever productive in those days.
Having at least two monitors has become commonplace at the office. I actually prefer having at least three.
How to tell if your smart TV is spying on you
If you’ve bought a new television in the past year, it’s probably a smart TV. That means it listens for your commands to turn on, turn off and switch to the channel you want. But if it’s listening, does that mean it’s also spying?
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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.
Google Chromecast: Set up, how to cast and hidden tricks
Most of the televisions on the market today are smart TVs with built-in apps for streaming and entertainment. But what do you do if you don’t have a smart TV and want to watch your favorite series on Netflix? That is where Google’s Chromecast comes in.