⭐️ Congratulations, you’ve made it to Friday, friend. Remember when Netflix mailed DVDs? (Blink if you’re old enough.) Back in 2000, they humbly offered themselves up to a bigger fish: $50 million and a handshake. 

One giant media company said “No way” to buying Netflix, thinking it was a bad business model. Guess who: A) Blockbuster, B) HBO, C) Disney or D) Comcast? Find the answer at the end! 

☠️ Viruses don’t knock, they break in. That’s why having real-time solid security protection on all your devices isn’t optional, it’s essential. Cover 5 devices for just $19 for the first year. More on this below. — Kim

You know that thing you do where you dissect your burger like you’re Gordon Ramsay on espresso? Good news, you can now get that burger for free. 

Mystery dining is having a renaissance. You often get free food, tips and travel covered, usually via a prepaid card or voucher.

I had a guest on my show who racked up over $40,000 in free meals doing this. Not bad for someone who just wanted a decent steak.

🍔 How it works

You visit the restaurant, eat like a normal human, then unleash your inner food critic. But it’s not exactly a free lunch; you’re doing a job. Expect to answer detailed questions like:

• Was the staff friendly?
• How clean was the restaurant?
• Did your order arrive hot and on time?

You’ll usually submit photos and complete an online questionnaire after your visit. Some agencies might want you to write a short review. 

🍽️ Mystery dining companies

Here are three legit agencies where you can sign up:

• Second to None: Been around for 30+ years. Offers assignments in fine dining, fast food and even retail.
• EyeSpy CC: Focuses heavily on upscale dining. Reviewers say budgets are generous and assignments are fun.
• Market Force: A big name in dining and retail. Assignments may start small, but regulars unlock better opportunities (and pay).

You may be asked to complete a practice test to show you can follow instructions.

🚨 Scam alert: Any company asking YOU to pay up front is scammier than a time-share in Jupiter (the planet). Run away like your entrée just came with a side of identity theft.

Speaking of… What does an introverted vegan want for dinner? Peas and quiet. 😂

Have a friend who needs a side hustle? Share this with them! Then join the free dinner as their plus-one.

Scammers are getting smarter and sneakier. One wrong click on your computer, phone or tablet can unleash malware, viruses or junk apps that slow everything down or crash your device. 

I use and recommend TotalAV because it works. This award-winning antivirus protects up to five devices with powerful, real-time protection. Right now, it’s only $19 for your first year, and here’s what you get: 

✅ Instantly identify and block misleading websites.
✅ Detect and eliminate harmful malware threats and viruses in real time.
✅ Remove unwanted apps and clear duplicate files to keep your system running at its best.

TotalAV works on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, so none of your devices go unprotected. It’s easy to install and easy to use. You can’t beat my exclusive offer, I made sure of it! So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today!

🕳️ Google reads your texts: They’re doing it again. Starting July 7, Google’s Gemini AI will tap into your Phone, Messages, WhatsApp and more, even if you’ve opted out of activity tracking. Google calls it “good news.” I found the secret steps to stop this nonsense here. Otherwise, your texts will be stored, scanned and possibly read by a human along with the things, up to and including being sold to who knows who. Not cool. 

Foldgate incoming: Apple’s first foldable iPhone just leaked, well, unfolded. Expect a 7.58-inch inner display, dual 48MP cameras, titanium body and a new hinge made of … metallic glass? Coming 2026, or as I like to call it, soon-ish. Expected at $2,000+, it folds like a wallet, and empties one faster.

Crypto-stealing selfie snatcher: Your camera roll might be your crypto wallet’s worst enemy. “SparkKitty” malware snuck into both Google and Apple app stores, scanned your photos and stole any crypto recovery phrases it found. Remember, never screenshot your seed phrase, and maybe don’t store your financial life next to brunch pics.

💾 Cheap hard drives on Amazon: A data recovery firm tested a $28 “UnionSine” 500GB external drive. It worked, but inside? A Toshiba hard drive from 2016. Folks, spend a bit more and stick to trusted brands. Here’s a 2TB one (13% off).

Protect your privacy without lifting a finger: Tired of your personal data floating around online? Incogni scrubs it from data brokers and people-search sites. With my exclusive link, get 60% off unlimited plans. Choose which sites to target, and take back your privacy today!*

🚁 Bezos wedding floods Venice: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez just kicked off their three-day, $56M wedding party in Venice, complete with 90 private jets, island takeovers and blackout tarps for privacy. The AP is bravely snapping pics you can see here. Bezos did donate €3M (about $3.2M) to soften the blow on the locals, but that’s still far less than he makes during a yacht nap. I heard Bezos makes $1 million a minute between Amazon and investments, really.

🧘 Your life just got more peaceful and a lot more practical.

• 😌 Eyes up here: From morning to night, a brightening eye stick (23% off) gives your face a little pick-me-up.

• Nose (hair) goes: For those “wait, when did that grow there?” moments, this little hair trimmer (7% off) has you covered.

• 🛌 Your neck’s BFF: Psst … this is your sign to finally grab that memory foam pillow (23% off) you’ve always wanted.

• Breathe easy: Powerful but peaceful, this Alexa-compatible air purifier (50% off) listens better than most roommates.

• 💡 Set it and forget it: These dusk-to-dawn night-lights ($6.99, two-pack) automatically clock in when the sun clocks out.

• Viral item alert: This folder board (17% off) makes your shirts neat in seconds. Warning: strangely satisfying.

🛒 While you relax: Browse my Amazon store for more things I personally recommend.

⚡️ 3-second tech genius: On Windows, right-click the Start button for secret access to Task Manager, Device Manager and more. On Apple, press Command + Space, type Activity Monitor and hit Return.

🤫 Mute Instagram stories: Just because you follow someone doesn’t mean you need to see every single story they post. Tap their story, hit the three-dot menu in the top right, choose Mute, then tap Mute stories. Hooray. 

This is embarrassing: Be careful when you’re talking through Bluetooth in your car. That sound can leak more than you think. Before you say something like, “Doctor, this rash is all over my…” turn the volume way down or hit mute.

⌨️ Using a keyboard with your iPad? Press and hold the Command key (⌘) to see all the available shortcuts for the app you’re in. Some apps even show tabs at the bottom, so you can swipe through categories. Like in Mail, Command + R lets you quickly reply to a message.

Freebie for teachers: Need posters, worksheets or slides that actually look good? Canva’s got loads of templates made for teachers. Go to canva.com/education and click Get Verified with your school info.

🎮 Play more, pay less: The Steam Summer Sale is on now until July 10. Perfect for scoring deep discounts on the games you’ve been eyeing. You’ll need a free Steam account to save. No account? Don’t use Steam? No problem, Amazon’s got plenty of hot gaming bargains happening right now.

Find the subscriptions you forgot about: I use Rocket Money, an app that finds all your recurring subscriptions and lets you easily cancel anything you don’t want. The first time I logged in, it saved me $435!*

Answer: A) Blockbuster. Yep. Now Netflix is worth over $150 billion, and Blockbuster is a themed Airbnb. They laughed Netflix out of the room, but who’s laughing now? Well, probably no one watching a Netflix Original comedy. 

With so many malware threats today, it’s time for antivirus protection. Up to five devices for just $19 for your first year. TotalAV has you covered with my exclusive deal. Stay smart, stay safe, because viruses don’t wait.

I got carded at the liquor store last week. While I was looking for my ID in my wallet, my Blockbuster card fell out onto the counter. The guy started laughing and said, “Never mind.”

The #1 tech newsletter in the United States wishes you an awesome Friday! Tomorrow, we’re talking about the must-have gadget for safe driving, Amazon’s need for speed, and a medical breakthrough for 1.6 million Americans. Until next time, think twice, click once, and carry on! 👊 — Kim

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