Artificial intelligence doesn’t just power our smart assistants and high-tech gadgets. It has all kinds of applications, including the creation of beautiful, original art. This is a fascinating look at how this technology works, and we’re sure AI’s creativity will blow you away.
Before you buy holiday gifts, check this list for tech snoops
Once Christmas music starts playing, the trees go up and the wish lists are compiled, I know an email I’ll get: Mozilla’s latest warning about popular tech gifts that are just awful when it comes to privacy.
This year’s *Privacy Not Included guide ranks over 150 gadgets across different categories by what data they collect and what they do with it. Mozilla does a great job at these lists, for sure.
We’re not talking randomized info about where you live and when you use the product. We should be so lucky. Check these out:
- Wyze’s smart home app asks for permission to read your text messages. Nope.
- Bose headphones can track head movements — and may sell that data, along with your email address. Huh?
- iRobot jumped into AI with the Roomba, and images from inside users’ homes leaked to Facebook. Come on!
Bad news: Sonos, Eufy and Bose used to be on Mozilla’s nice list. Not anymore. And Amazon, Samsung and Microsoft Xbox have gone from bad to worse. Let’s take a closer look.
The naughty list is long
Here are lowlights from this year’s list:
- Some good broke bad: Sonos and Bose have been in Mozilla’s good graces for privacy in recent years. They have earned its *Privacy Not Included warning label for the first time.
- Google went from just OK to officially bad: Also joining the formerly OK but now naughty list are (Google-owned) Fitbit and Tile trackers.
- Bad guys who keep getting worse: Amazon, Amazon Ring, Samsung, Microsoft Xbox and Wyze were already on the naughty list, but they managed to get worse.
- AI integration is much more common: It is used in at least 94 of the products Mozilla reviewed. Often, that means your personal information can be stored, studied, shared or all of the above. Two such cases: iRobot’s test-run Roombas’ video recordings were reviewed by humans for AI training. That resulted in images from inside test-users’ homes showing up on Facebook.
- Creepiest product ever: Mozilla added a ton of new products to its roster this year. Some were good, some were bad and others left Mozilla speechless. Almost. It rarely says this, but do not buy the Angel Watch for your child or vulnerable person in your life. This surveillance watch doesn’t have a privacy policy at all!
More ways to check privacy
Head to the Mozilla Creep-O-Meter to see if products in your household help or hurt your digital privacy. It takes a hard look at the most popular consumer tech devices and assesses the good, the bad and the downright ugly. Mozilla uses a scale from one to 100, with 100 being the worst.
To get started, select which popular products you own from the list. Click See Results for a custom score based on how well (or poorly) your selections protect your personal information.
We tested it by choosing Telegram, the Apple Watch and the Google Nest video doorbell. Crushed it with a “You’re off the grid” rating! Now, all that’s left is to buy that plot of land in the middle of nowhere.
Ask Kim: What do I do with old tech?
Glad you’re not just tossing them in the trash! Earth911 is a great site to find recycling centers for different types of products. Type in what you’ve got (do one search for calculators and one for phones) and your ZIP code to find a nearby drop-off.
Santa's bag is full of spies
Holiday shopping’s kicked off, with tech gadgets leading the wish lists. But there’s a catch — each comes with a privacy warning worth your attention.
3 smartphone tech tips everyone over 50 must know
Embracing the digital age can improve your life, both personally and professionally. But it can be hard to keep up with the crowd if you didn’t grow up with high-tech gadgets like smartphones or tablets. That’s why we’re sharing a few tech skills all folks over 50 should know.
Home security 101: Where to put cameras
When it comes to home security, camera placement is everything. Tech gadgets can be finicky, so their location can make a difference. For example, here are the best places to put your router for better internet speeds.
How to make money by starting an online resell business
Looking for ways to bring in extra cash this year? One option is selling stuff online. You may be surprised to find the value of some of your old electronics. Here are 10 vintage tech gadgets worth a ton of money.
Starting an online resell business will take things further. It takes work and dedication but can become a rewarding, full-time job. Here’s how to get started.
Your tech is gross! 5 things you forget to clean
Bad habits can catch up with you. Like any other chore, keeping your tech clean can almost feel like a full-time job. Tap or click for steps to clean tech the right way.
You probably give your smartphone screen a good wiping down now and then. You might even dust your PC keyboard from time to time. But we’re sure there are tech gadgets that you don’t think about cleaning. No worries. We can help.
Have you checked around the house? You could be sitting on a fortune
Want to make some extra money or even start a new career? Kim recently interviewed a woman who created a successful Etsy shop out of her home. Here’s how to start your own reselling business.
They say you can’t go back, but that’s not stopping people from spending tons of money on relics from their past. eBay helped to kickstart the online auction craze, but it’s not alone when it comes to big-ticket items. Sites like Heritage Auctions and RR Auction are giving eBay a run for its money.
New research: This beauty product could cause cancer, DNA mutations
Some products are found to be dangerous long after they’ve been put on sale to the public. The risks can range from minor to deadly, and product recalls can often come too late.
Dry shampoo is convenient when you’re on the go, but one popular brand is being recalled for potentially massive health risks. Tap or click here for everything you need to know.
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.
Amazon knows so much about you, it's scary - How to see it all
You should know that Alexa is always listening if you have an Amazon Echo. Tap or click here for six ways to stop your smart devices from recording you. Of course, Amazon says Alexa is only listening for the wake word … but that still means it’s tuning in.
5 smart ways to save and make money in 2023
Did you know your water heater uses around 20% of your home’s energy? Smart thermostats and lights are popular home additions but don’t forget smart water sensors. Tap or click here to save money with smart water management.
Check this list to see the apps on your phone listening through your mic
Most people go about daily business without considering who might be listening to their conversations. Whether in the office or out shopping, you might not consider the people in the immediate vicinity listening to you.
7 tech gems that make life easier and save you time
Our everyday devices make life easier, but they can be huge time sucks. Here are seven nifty ways tech can help you streamline your life.
You don’t need a smartwatch to measure your heart rate. Cardiio: Heart Rate Monitor is an iPhone app that uses your phone’s camera to take a reading of your pulse. Place your index finger on the back camera, and the app will measure your heart rate by detecting color changes. Be sure to hold your phone steady and keep still. It works with iPads, too.
Turn off this TV setting ASAP
With most tech gadgets, you get what you pay for. That means cool features and high-quality visuals are often limited to expensive devices. However, you don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get a five-star experience when it comes to TVs.
10 Mac tricks to boost your productivity
From smartphones to tablets to desktops, we love our tech gadgets. And no matter how long you’ve used yours, there’s always something new to learn thanks to advancing technology and rolling updates.
Apple’s iPad is among the most popular tablets out there. If you use one, we’re willing to bet there are tricks you’ve never tried, like the split keyboard or Focus mode. Tap or click here for more iPad tips to help you get the most out of the mighty little tablet.
3 things you didn’t know you could do with a video doorbell
In the olden days, nobles hired guardsmen to catch castle burglars in the act. Highly-trained sentries would kick any wannabe Robin Hoods off the property. Nowadays, our homes are like our castles — but since few folks can hire a 24/7 guard, we turn to tech gadgets to protect ourselves.
Stalkers are using AirTags — Here's how to protect yourself
Modern tech gadgets make stalking easier than before — which means you need to be aware of the many ways people can track you. One husband always knew where his wife went, down to her arrival and departure times, although she didn’t tell him the details. When she asked me for help, I told her he was probably tracking her through Google, which keeps a secret map of everywhere you’ve been.
The 3G shutdown impacts more than just your phone - These devices may stop working
While you don’t always need the latest and greatest tech gadgets, there are times when the need to upgrade is essential. This is the case for many people, with cellular networks phasing out the 3G standard. Older smartphones will lose most of their essential functions, including the ability to make and receive calls and texts.