Tech Refresh: Apple's plan to fight child porn, stop scam texts, be a Netflix star

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Apple says it is going to start scanning photos for child porn. Is this a privacy violation or a much-needed change? Plus, scam texts are on the rise. We’ve got tips on what to watch for. And if you want to be a reality star, time to submit a casting call to Netflix.

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Want to be a reality star? How to send a 1-minute casting call to Netflix

Have you ever dreamed of fame and fortune while being known to millions across the world? Of course, you have. Netflix is giving you the opportunity to realize that dream. In what the streaming giant is calling “the largest reality casting call ever,” it is looking for fresh faces to fill the screen.

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Not happy with something you bought on Amazon? Huge change coming for third-party items

We’ve become super reliant on Amazon for many of our purchases. If you can think of it, you’ll probably find it on Amazon and have it in your hands within a couple of days. Though essentials and other supplies are more readily available this year, the urge to buy, buy, buy is hard to kick.

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What's that sound? Why your phone, TV and radio are blaring today

Later today, your devices will erupt in cacophonous noise. Your TV and radio will ring. Even your smartphone will start blasting.

Don’t be alarmed when your devices start blaring in unison. Although it sounds like something out of a scary science fiction novel, there’s nothing to be frightened about. You’re not getting hacked or attacked — it’s just the government reaching out. (And, no, it’s not a scam, although there have been government emergency alert system scams in the past.)

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Ready to stop smoking? 5 apps that can help you do it

Smoking and tobacco use in the U.S. aren’t nearly at the levels they were a few decades ago, but they remain serious health problems. The number of adult smokers has declined over the years, but it is estimated that 18% of adults are still smokers.

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Recall alert! 2M dehumidifiers can overheat and catch fire [Full list]

During the summer months, many places in the U.S. become hot and humid. This can be a cause for musty odors or mildew. Drying out the moisture in the air is one way to make sure that mold doesn’t grow. This can be done through a portable dehumidifier.

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As COVID cases increase, so do related scams - What to watch out for

While we are not out of the woods yet regarding the pandemic, people are getting vaccinated and traveling again. With proper precautions, you can see the world while staying safe this summer.

The Delta variant is rising to the top of COVID strains, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidelines accordingly. You can keep track of the spread of the virus with an interactive map provided by the CDC. Tap or click here for more information and tips.

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Say goodbye to AT&T TV - Here's what's replacing it

Between the internet, cable, network television, satellite and streaming services, there is no shortage of ways to watch movies, television shows, special events and live content. Additionally, the pandemic has resulted in more at-home content than ever before.

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Stop paying for software! 7 free versions of popular programs everyone uses

Some of the best software for your professional life comes with a heavy price tag. Luckily, there are a ton of great resources that carry you through heavy tasks. For example, you can visit free editing websites to check your writing for grammar issues. Tap or click here for five free sites that keep your writing professional and typo-free.

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10 things you should never buy on Amazon

Amazon has been a source of essentials, hobbies, electronics and supplies during the pandemic, and business has been booming as a result. You can find just about anything on Amazon, which is both good and bad. Need an obscure replacement part for your dishwasher? You can probably find it on Amazon. But not all products are useful, and some can be downright dangerous.

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Podcast: Insider tricks to organizing, sorting and storing your photos for the long-term

It’s easy to amass a huge photo gallery. Over time, you snap pictures of precious memories … but they can be hard to find later on. Eventually, you can build up hundreds of worthless pictures that clutter your phone and hide the important photos you want to keep. (Just think of how many memes and screenshots taking up your phone’s storage space.)

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