Hi there, it’s Wednesday, friend! Shop class is making a comeback in high schools, but forget birdhouses and picture frames. With AI taking over so many desk jobs, schools are stepping up to train students for high-paying, hands-on careers robots can’t replace. Case in point: Houston is building a $140 million career center with an auto repair shop, digital animation lab and culinary arts training. Smart move. 🎓🔧 

I still have the wood bowl I made in shop class. It was supposed to be a mug, but I couldn’t handle it. 

Yes, privacy is possible. 🚀 Incogni has already sent 1,175 removal requests to data brokers and people-search sites for me. They’ve been wiping my info from places I never even knew existed. More details below. Now, let’s dive into today’s free newsletter to keep you always tech-ahead! — Kim

Ever feel like your apps are trying a little too hard to be helpful? Maybe they’re suggesting cringy replies, summarizing things you actually wanted to read, or just getting way too pushy.

Let’s dive into how to turn off those AI features that just aren’t working for you.

Start in the settings

Look for the settings cog (that little gear icon) or tap your profile picture to open your options. Once inside, check sections labeled AI, smart features, suggestions, privacy or automation.

Keep an eye out for toggles and checkboxes that let you switch features on or off. You want to find AI add-ons like summaries, smart replies, recommendations and predictive text that tries to finish your sentences for you.

✅ Be a Privacy Komando: While you’re in settings, take a peek at the privacy section for anything related to data collection or personalization. Your data is what powers AI, so if you’re not using AI, turn it off.

No-more-AI cheat sheet

Here are the most common steps. Because there are so many makes, models and operating systems out there, your steps might be a little different.

On a Windows PC: Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. From here, you can turn off Copilot.

On a Mac running macOS 15 or later: Click the Apple menu > System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > toggle Apple Intelligence off. Note: Apple Intelligence isn’t available on all Macs yet.

On an iPhone: Apple Intelligence is on by default with compatible models. To change that, open Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri > toggle Apple Intelligence off. Note: Apple Intelligence isn’t available on all Macs yet.

On an Android: Choose between Gemini (Google’s AI) and the old Google Assistant. Go to Settings > Apps > Assistant > Digital assistants from Google. 

In Gmail: Click the gear icon > See all settings > General. Scroll down to Smart Compose and turn writing suggestions off. Farther down, you can turn off Smart Reply, too.

The tech world moves fast, and apps get updates and new features all the time. Pop in now and then to make sure your apps are just how you want ’em.

💛 “Kim, that was so useful, thank you.” You’re welcome! Now use the buttons below to share it with a pal.

Ever wonder how those annoying spam calls, creepy targeted ads and scam attempts seem to know everything about you? That’s because data brokers are quietly collecting and selling your personal information without you even realizing it.

But there’s a way to fight back. One of my readers recently wrote:
“I took your suggestion and signed up for Incogni. WOW! I am impressed by their quick response and action to clean up my data profile. Thank you for the discount coupon.”

Incogni works behind the scenes, contacting data brokers on your behalf and getting them to delete your personal info. Don’t let your private data be bought and sold.

🚨 Word of the day: Info-stealer. Malware that sneaks in and grabs your personal data, especially credit and debit card details. Over 26 million devices were hit, with 2 million bank cards stolen and for sale on the Dark Web. Watch for small charges on your statements because that’s how hackers test if your card is still good. 

“I will make sure the U.S. is the Crypto Capital of the World.” That’s what President Trump said while announcing a new U.S. strategic crypto reserve. He name-dropped XRP, Solana and Cardano (prices skyrocketed), then later added Bitcoin and Ethereum to the mix. Warning: If a stranger DMs you claiming to be a crypto expert or offering “guaranteed” profits, don’t respond. It’s a scam.

🏁 $28,000 down the drain: A guy from Ohio found a used Dodge Ram on Facebook Marketplace. He’s smart, so he asked for the VIN, ran three checks and called the original dealership. It all checked out. A couple weeks later, six cops showed up. The scam is called cloning. A thief swaps the VIN on a stolen vehicle with a clean one, sells it and moves on. Poor guy is on the hook for the loan.

Get the $200/month ChatGPT subscription for free: Just for my Windows friends. Open the Copilot app on Windows or go to copilot.microsoft.com and sign in with your Microsoft account. Make sure Think Deeper is toggled on to use OpenAI’s fancy-schmancy new o1 model. It “thinks” for about 30 seconds before spitting out an answer. 

New iPad gets a boost: Apple says its new iPad Air is twice as fast as the one from a few years back, thanks to the M3 chip that Apple makes themselves. It can be paired with an upgraded Magic Keyboard. Plus, it comes with Apple Intelligence and 11-inch ($599) and 13-inch ($799) options. Preorder to get it by March 12.

💪 Man with the golden arm: That’s what Australians called James Harrison. He donated his blood and plasma 1,173 times. He passed away peacefully in his sleep last month at 88. His plasma had a rare antibody to prevent rhesus disease — when a pregnant mother’s blood is incompatible with her baby. He’s credited with saving 2.4 million babies’ lives. What a hero!

Fill ’er up: The free Upside app gives you cash back on gas, groceries and dining out. Download Upside* and use promo code Kim to get an extra $0.25 back for every gallon on your first tank of gas.

When life gets a little messy, I’ve got the fixes for you.

• We’re approaching the window-open season. Grab an air purifier (16% off) while they’re on sale.
• These duster sponges (15% off) wipe away all the muck from your floorboards, blinds or wherever.
• Spill your drink on your favorite shirt? Whip out a Tide pen ($7.88) and that stain’s history.
• Downy wrinkle releaser spray ($11.96) is like an iron in a bottle.
• If you’re hunting for an actual clothes streamer, I found one (20% off).

🏠 Home upgrade? Check out my handpicked favorites to get your place all ready in time for spring.

💬 Scam detector: Google Messages’ new AI tool will alert you if someone is scamming you. If it spots anything suspicious in your SMS, MMS or RCS convos, a warning will pop up. Just hit Report & block. Check your Android for the latest update or download it here.

📖 Make your Kindle feel like a real book: Love this little change. Go to Settings > Screen and brightness > Show covers on lock screen. 

Turn off Siri on your Apple Watch: Tired of Siri popping up? Disable the triggers you don’t need. Go to Settings > Siri and toggle off the options that bother you. Bonus: It’ll help with battery life, too.

Want better photo composition? Turn on the grid. It splits your screen into nine parts. Line up subjects where the lines meet for more balanced, pro-looking shots. iPhones: Go to Settings > Camera > Grid (toggle it on). For Android: Open Camera > Settings > Grid (or Grid Lines).

🎵 Royalty-free music: If you’re a content creator, you don’t want your background music to get flagged. Check out Uppbeat for royalty-free tracks and sound effects. Oh, and remember to follow their licensing terms.

I order supplements online: They’re more affordable that way, and I never run out. On my daily list: Collagen. Hit this link for 45% off NativePath.* Their collagen mixes into coffee and smoothies, and it’s great for your joints and recovery.

Not every school can afford fancy trade classes: Check Home Depot’s Path to Pro. They offer all kinds of free training if you or someone in your life is interested in a trade like carpentry, plumbing or HVAC. My friend just finished his apprenticeship as a plumber. I guess that means he’s toilet-trained now.

Before you go: Protect your online self with Incogni. They wipe your info from creepy data-broker and people-search sites. It’s easy to use and just plain works. Use my link for 60% off. 

🤗  I told a friend this today, and maybe you need to hear it, too: “You’re really making a difference during this hard time for you and your family. Just don’t forget to make time for yourself, too.” Take care, and I’ll see you back here tomorrow with more tech smarts from the best free newsletter in the USA! 🚀— Kim