Should kids say please and thank you to Alexa?

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Should you teach your kids to be polite when dealing with virtual assistants? Listen now for my take.

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Tags: Amazon Alexa, choices, kids, Virtual Assistants


Say what? You won't believe the dangerous thing Alexa told a young girl to do

Smart assistants are constantly evolving to offer more features and uses. They can help you keep a schedule, set the mood for movie night, remind you to pick up the kids or even watch out for intruders.

Some features recently added to Amazon Echo devices include sound detection for running water and appliances, along with occupancy routines. As useful as they can be, smart assistants like Alexa can also be intrusive to your privacy.

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How the Hoover Dam was built

Nearly 100 years ago, America was in the throes of the Great Depression. Even during these tumultuous times, though, engineers managed to use skill and grit to build something amazing: The Hoover Dam. Situated at the Arizona and Nevada border, this impressive concrete marvel attracts almost 1 million visitors annually. So, how was this feat of engineering accomplished?

Home security 101: The best and worst places to set up motion sensors

If you want to build a robust home security system, motion sensors are a must. They let you know when an intruder has already breached your defenses so you aren’t taken by surprise. With their help, you can formulate a plan of defense and take action.

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Your new holiday gifts attract thieves - 3 tips to protect your stuff

The joys of Christmas morning, when you finally get to tear the wrapping paper from packages waiting under the tree. Now that Christmas 2021 is officially in the books, you might have spent the last few days setting up your new tech … without putting much thought into what to do with its packaging.

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Recall alert! Packaged salads linked to deaths and illness across the US

Listeria is a type of bacteria that can cause high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. It can also be fatal in children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

That’s why it’s so important to take notice when food products are recalled over listeria risks. Earlier in December, pork products sold across the country were recalled due to possible contamination.

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How to track the newly launched James Webb Space Telescope

If you celebrate Christmas, your favorite part was likely the delicious dinner someone in your family made or the piles of presents underneath the tree. But you may not have realized NASA was making history on Christmas day.

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How to take great photos with a cheap camera or smartphone

Just how money can’t buy happiness, expensive cameras can’t always capture good images.

Good photography has never really been about the equipment. Cheaper cameras are less durable, which makes them less reliable. That’s why professionals are willing to invest in nicer gear. But the secret to capturing amazing shots is actually all about techniques and perspective.

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A deadly online challenge is making a comeback - How to keep your kids safe

Social media originated to help us stay in touch with friends and family, but for better or worse has evolved into a source of news, entertainment, political discussion, marketing and more. With billions of users spread across just the top three social platforms, there’s a built-in audience ready to make virtually anything go viral.

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Emergency app gets first responders to loved ones quickly

The average time it takes for emergency medical services to reach you is about seven minutes. That’s if you live in a populated area. Move further away from the hustle and bustle, and response times can double to nearly 14 minutes. Tap or click here for 18 items that help you survive any emergency.

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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.

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