Our mother has dementia, and the TV patients use at their home is connected to a cable system. Is there a simpler solution than having them select an input and then finding a station they want to watch? I know we are not the only ones going through this. So frustrating.
— Todd in Minnesota
What a pain, Todd. You’re a good son to try to make this easier for her. I found an excellent solution for you: the SofaBaton X1 universal remote control.
It’s a programmable universal remote that simplifies life with one-touch activities. Press a single button and control your TV, stereo, whatever.
I hope this helps and I wish your mom well.
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Old science fiction shows depicting the future made a big deal out of voice control. Much of it came true! Decades later, we can ask questions and control devices with our voice, thanks to virtual assistants and smart home technology.
Open/download audioThere are a frightening number of ways cybercriminals can hack into our tech. But now they’ve got an even easier method to take over smart speakers — or really anything equipped with voice control. That’s pretty scary. I’ll tell you how it works.
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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.
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.
ChatGPT development is continuing at breakneck speed and has led to the release of some truly incredible tools. From AI that can emulate an ex-partner to automated tools for trolling scam emailers. From voice integration for those with sight impairments to a tool to hide the telltale signs of ChatGPT. You wouldn’t even know it was there…
Thanks to the constellation of satellites, we can use GPS to chart our paths. We don’t have to worry about getting lost in new areas because navigation apps help us find our way through unknown territory. They also offer plenty of secret GPS settings you should know about.
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.
Although voice dictation technology lets you send hands-free text messages, it has glaring shortcomings. For example, smart assistants often have trouble understanding you.
That means you’ll have to constantly repeat yourself when the AI doesn’t get what you’re saying. Here are five ways to make your smart assistant understand you better. Here’s another pain point: Smart assistants not sending emojis when you tell them to.
Mark your calendars. Amazon Prime Day begins July 12. Good news if you plan to take advantage of the tsunami of sales. There’s an extra Amazon Prime Day discount to apply to your order.
Since inflation is sky-high, you need all the deals you can get. That’s why you should shop for the stuff you need on Amazon Prime Day. You don’t have to wait a few weeks to take advantage.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
I have a rule: If an email is going to take me longer than a minute to write, I pick up the phone instead.
For many things, using our voices is just faster and easier. That’s true for controlling your phone, too. Tap or click for genius commands to try with Siri or Google Assistant.
Your smart devices are getting more intelligent all the time. New models and updates add features and capabilities you may not know you need until you try them out.
Your smartphone is likely the most used gadget in your arsenal. It’s more than just a phone, and there’s always something new to try. You may know about connecting your phone to your TV wirelessly, but did you know that you can get better results with a wired connection? Tap or click here for more information.
Think about the ambiance added to the outside of your home using landscaping lights or full-fledged floodlights. A nice effect, but historically there haven’t been many choices for custom options and control — until now.
Siri can be a bit of a divisive figure on the iPhone. When you summon her accidentally, she’s the most annoying thing in the world — particularly if you’re in a quiet place, or are just trying to sneak a peek at your notifications. In fact, tap or click here to see a few things Siri does that you may not appreciate.
Google Assistant isn’t just an app. It’s a voice-controlled tool you can have on your phone, smart speakers, TV, car, display screens, laptop, tablet and wearable tech. So yeah, it’s more than a basic application.
