Best wildfire app: I’m praying for everyone in California near the wildfires. I went looking for the best source for folks dealing with wildfires and found the nonprofit Watch Duty. I talked with CEO John Mills after reading their story. They’re totally volunteer-run and deliver real-time updates across 13 states. Get their app on iPhone, Android or in your browser.
Tech tip: Share your ETA on the go
I hate being late. No one wants to leave friends hangry at a restaurant. Here’s a trick I use: Share your ETA right from your map app. It keeps everyone in the loop.
It’s way better than sharing your location 24/7. Imagine if we’d had this tech back in our 20s. Total concert and party game‑changer!
Google Maps in navigation mode
- Tap the card at the bottom of the screen.
- Choose Share trip progress.
- You can either pick a contact to send updates to through Google Maps or select a messaging app to send a link with your location.
- Tap the bottom card > Stop Sharing to stop sharing your ETA. (It won’t share your whereabouts after you end the trip.)
With Google Maps on Android Auto, you’ll see the same navigation card showing the time left on your journey. Tap Share journey to let folks know where you are. Easy‑peasy.
Apple Maps in navigation mode
- Tap the Share ETA link that appears as soon as you start a journey.
- If the link has disappeared, tap the arrow at the bottom, then tap Share ETA.
- Choose a contact to share your arrival time with.
- Tap Stop Sharing ETA at any time, if you need to.
If you’re using an iPhone, you’ll get a link to see your location on Apple Maps. Team Android gets a text saying what time you’ll show up (and another text if that changes).
In an Uber
After you accept a ride, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the trip details. Tap Share Status on iPhone or Share My ETA on Android. (This works on the Lyft app, too.) Share this with anyone who takes an Uber alone.
Don’t want to be late in the first place?
Schedule a reminder to leave on time. Google Maps has it built right in when you look up a route!
Caught in a wildfire? The Watch Duty app could save your life
When wildfires hit, reliable information is hard to find. Watch Duty is the app that’s already saving lives, delivering real-time updates to help families escape danger. I sat down with CEO John Mills to hear how this volunteer-powered app is stepping up during some of the most dangerous times of the year.
⚖️ TikTok hearing update: Legal experts say the Supreme Court appears likely to uphold a law banning TikTok in the U.S. on Jan. 19. While the platform’s lawyers argue the ban violates free speech, the nine justices remain laser-focused on national security concerns. The app won’t be completely forbidden, but you won’t be able to download it from app stores or receive updates. No word yet on whether you’ll still be able to use TikTok on the web.
🏈 What’s the score? In the Alexa app, open Settings > Sports Update. Add your teams (you’ll find all major American sports leagues). Now, say, “Alexa, give me my sports update” for scores and schedule info.
🪫 It’s not just you: Apple’s new iOS 18.2 update is draining iPhone batteries. If it’s happening to you, don’t panic. Turn down your screen’s brightness and turn off apps refreshing in the background. Apple says to give it a few days to settle. Or you could get this portable charger for just $17.75 (26% off; click the box for an additional 5% off).
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Microsoft’s very bad advice: Some 240 million active PCs are too old to update to Windows 11. After years of telling us otherwise, Microsoft now says you can go ahead and update your incompatible PC. The big disclaimer: Your computer might not get every security patch and update, so it’s not worth the risk.
📱 Update your iPhone now: Apple iOS 18.2, the update that superpowers Siri with AI, also fixes 21 security issues. That includes a major flaw in Apple’s Passwords app. Still on iOS 17? There’s a fix for you, too. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Never comes with a lifetime guarantee: The FTC found only 11% of smart devices say how long they’ll get software updates. It’s required by law for anything with a written warranty over $15. Check endoflife.date to see if any of your gadgets are ready for retirement.
Laptops expire, too: Before you buy, search for that exact model on endoflife.date. If it’s already at its end of life, or EOL, move on. That means it’s not going to get any more security updates and isn’t safe to use. If it’s close to its EOL, you can do better: Check out our latest laptop picks.
This panes me: On Windows 10, you might see full-screen ads for Windows 11 PCs. Reminder: Windows 10 support ends in October 2025; only CPUs from 2018 onward will support Windows 11. If you’re not ready to upgrade to Windows 11, you’ll still be able to pay $30 for an extra year of Windows 10 updates.
Update your Apple gear ASAP: Apple dropped important security updates that patch a serious bug in Safari for Macs, iPhones and iPads. Google’s Threat Analysis Group believes a foreign government is behind the attack. On a Mac, click the Apple icon > System Settings. Look for “Software Update Available.” The latest version is Sequoia 15.1.1. Update your iPhone to iOS 18.1.1 under Settings > General > Software Update.
💻 So long, farewell: The latest version of Windows 11 (24H2) isn’t just routine updates; it also removes some apps, including WordPad, Paint 3D and Tips. To update, go to Settings > Windows Update and enable Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available. FYI, support for Windows 10 ends on Nov. 14, 2025.
🚨 Mac warning: Microsoft researchers found a serious macOS security bug that lets hackers access your private data. It bypasses Safari’s protections, meaning your search history, camera, microphone and location are all at risk. The good news? There’s already a patch. Don’t wait — go to System Settings > General > Software Update > Update Now.
🍏 Apple Intelligence update: Apple’s AI, built for iOS 18, will drop across several updates. Some ETAs: iOS 18.1 in October brings Siri’s new interface, natural conversation ability, and call recording and transcription. In December, iOS 18.2 brings image generation and ChatGPT integration. By March 2025, iOS 18.3 or 18.4 will add Siri’s on-screen awareness and app control.
🔄 Patch Tuesday: Microsoft rolled out fixes for 79 flaws, including four zero-days. One of the worst is a Windows Update that could roll back security fixes. Yikes. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then click Check for updates.
A canceled or delayed flight is the worst: Before I leave for the airport, I look up my trip on FlightAware. If your plane is stuck in another city, you’ll see it there before your airline updates its app.
How to earn $25 million a year on eBay
Linda Lightman started by selling her kids’ video games on eBay in the ’90s. Today, she operates a 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse with a dedicated team, all thanks to her eBay success. Plus, updates on Apple’s AI developments and tax credits for EVs.
Death march: Starting with some 2023 models and those released in March 2024, Samsung TVs get seven years of free updates to keep them safe from hackers. No specifics on which models yet, but it’s likely to cover those with AI features. PSA: Before you buy any used electronics, know the EOL (end-of-life) date. More about that here.
“My children and I have lived in hell for months”: After her cable company, Xfinity, ignored her, a woman shared a now-viral TikTok video with evidence of hackers infiltrating her smart TV. The footage shows a search box on screen and someone typing in her passcode. I’ll bet either her Wi-Fi password is weak, her smart TV allows remote access, or her gear and TV both need firmware updates.