Hi there on a beautiful Sunday, friend! I saw on social media where someone actually read the instructions for their Stanley cup (not the hockey game; the hydration sensation), and there’s a trick to keep your drink at the right temp. Just fill your tumbler with hot or cold water and let it sit for five minutes. Pour out the water, add your drink and voila — your beverage will stay hotter or colder longer.

Speaking of instructions, the other day, Barry said to me, “Women should come with instructions.” I replied, “Why? It’s not like men read them anyway!” 🤣

🛑 Stop in the name of malware! If your computer, tablet or phone is unprotected, you’re asking for trouble. TotalAV is affordable and keeps up to five devices safe against malware and other junk. FYI, if you buy, I don’t get any kickbacks! On to the tech smarts. — Kim

For me, the holidays are when I miss my parents, grandparents and loved ones who’ve passed away the most. But maybe we can still keep our lost family and friends with us in a different way.

You see, there’s been an upsurge in people tapping into AI to create virtual versions of their loved ones. I wanted to get a deeper look, and now you can, too.

We are so back

Founded in 2017 (ancient history in tech time), StoryFile offers a couple of options to immortalize loved ones while they’re still on Earth.

At the basic level, a laptop and webcam capture their image and likeness in an interview-style fashion — by an actual historian, for an extra fee. StoryFile’s AI uses the material to create a digital persona. Today, over 5,000 people have created profiles.

Loved ones can ask the persona a question, then the system sifts through corresponding interview clips to find an intuitive response. Just imagine a loved one you’d love to chat with again.

Another company, HereAfter AI, came along in 2019 and added another element: Interactive videos where subjects make eye contact, breathe and blink as they respond to questions. It’s super lifelike … but also surreal.

Legends live on

You might be thinking, “So, who’s doing this?” The answer: Folks from all walks of life.

Lynne Nieto, founder of Life Fitness, created a StoryFile before her husband passed away from Lou Gehrig’s disease. She did it mainly for their grandchildren. She watched the file for the first time about six months after he died. Lynne says it was a little hard to view, and it felt a bit raw.

I’m not surprised to hear that. I don’t know how I’d feel about seeing my mom or dad again, but I’m pretty sure it’d be overwhelming.

StoryFile interviewed actor Ed Asner eight weeks before he died in 2021. They sent Ed’s StoryFile to his son, Matt, who couldn’t believe his eyes. He says it was like his dad was looking right at him, answering his questions.

Matt played the file at his father’s memorial service. Some people were deeply touched, but he says others were very uncomfortable.

AI immortality

Looking to try out this AI tech for yourself? Here’s how to get started:

• HearAfter AI uses a chatbot to ask questions about your loved one and their life. Submit audio recordings of the person recounting any memorable moments, along with photos to make things more personal. A 14-day trial is free, then plans start at $3.99 a month.
• StoryFile Life records a video of you or a loved one answering questions. Responses are saved for future generations to interact with. The free trial includes 33 questions. You can add more for $1 each or purchase a bundle plan, starting at $49. There’s a commercial from William Shatner on the site that’s worth watching.
• Eternos has the tools to capture your voice, share your memories and create a digital version of yourself. Pricing starts at $25 a month.

It’s just the birth of this tech

Amazon is set to release an Alexa update that lets the system mimic any voice, even that of a deceased loved one. At its annual re:MARS event in 2022, Amazon shared a video showing its Alexa voice assistant reading a bedtime story to a young boy using his grandmother’s voice instead of the Alexa default.

Would you want a chatbot that sounds like a loved one? What about your family making one of you after you’re gone? When you rate this newsletter at the end, leave a comment and let me know!

Speaking of passing … Don’t challenge death to a pillow fight unless you’re prepared for the reaper cushions.

Nearly half of U.S. adults have faced a cyberattack or digital scam attempt this year. It’s not a matter of “if” anymore. It’s a matter of “when.”

That’s why I trust and use TotalAV, the award-winning antivirus software that’s always one step ahead of the bad guys. TotalAV protects all your devices from malware, ransomware, phishing scams and whatever else they throw at you. It’s not just for techies. TotalAV is super easy to use and works quietly in the background, so you can safely surf, shop and bank online.

Don’t wait until you become part of the statistics. Secure your tech now with my exclusive deal giving you the first year at just $19. You’ll be glad you did.

• Christopher Stott is CEO of Lonestar, a company partnering with NASA to back up data, humanity’s most valuable resource, on the moon. Far out!
• Amber in Indiana was mugged at gunpoint. Then, the assailant tracked her down on Facebook.
• Fred in Illinois hopes to use an app to talk to his late wife, who passed away after a nearly five-year battle with cancer. He’s wondering if the voice messages he’s saved from her could help.

Plus, Stephen looks for hidden cams, George wants a watch to track his glucose, Deb reconnects with old classmates, Hayden gets strange USPS texts and many more!

🏥 Remember the massive Ascension data breach? You know, the one that exposed the personal and medical data of 5.6 million people earlier this year. It turns out an employee accidentally downloaded a malicious file and exposed the whole data dump. Basic network security and training could’ve prevented this mess. I hope they get hit with a big fine.

TikTok in limbo: President-elect Donald Trump is asking the Supreme Court to delay TikTok’s ban, set to kick in on Jan. 19 — just a day before his inauguration. He wants more time to try to save the platform. No word yet on what that deal might include, but it’ll likely involve ByteDance selling a big chunk of its TikTok ownership to a U.S. company.

This is just bizarre: In Berlin, AI sex robots are stepping in for prostitutes, and they’re anything but shy. One bot, Kokeshi, is described as smelling like summer rain and tasting like peaches, but here’s the twist: She also has a personality. Her owner directs her actions through cameras and mics while she performs and whispers clients’ names. Wow, talk about customer satisfaction.

Put it down: A new survey reveals the average American checks their phone 205 times daily, or once every five minutes. That’s a 42.3% increase from 2023. The biggest culprits? Checking phones right after waking up, while on the toilet and, yes, while driving.

🇲🇽 Will they send in la policia? Mexico is testing a cellphone app for migrants to warn relatives and consulates if they think they’re about to be detained by U.S. immigration. This comes in response to President-elect Trump’s threats of mass deportations set to begin after he takes office on Jan. 20.

Timeline: That’s Google’s creepy (and interesting) map that shows everywhere you’ve been and the routes you took to get there. Starting in early 2025, all your Timeline data will be moved from Google’s cloud servers to your device for more security. I bet Google’s finally getting its hands slapped by the government ruler for privacy violations. Hit this link for steps to delete or download your info before it’s too late.

The technology to reverse cancer: This is incredible. Most cancer treatments focus on destroying harmful cells, often causing lots of other damage to the body. Korean researchers just figured out how to flip colon cancer cells back to a normal state. This removes the cancer without killing the cells. I hate cancer.

🐶 Update your Apple TV: Snoopy screensavers dropped in tvOS 18.2, and they’re so much cuter than the standard option. To change yours, on Apple TV, go to Settings > Screen Saver > Snoopy. This works with second- and third-gen Apple TV 4K models. (Psst, to update to 18.2, head to Settings > System > Software Updates > Update Software.)

Your 2025 self will thank you: Ditch the subscriptions you don’t use. I did, and I used the app that makes it easy: Rocket Money.* They find everything and cancel whatever you no longer want.

Your very own free assistant: Say you have messy notes from a meeting. By hand, you’d spend 15 minutes turning those into an email fit for your boss or team. Instead, open a chatbot (I use ChatGPT) and say, “Turn these notes into a professional, friendly email to my team. Point out any missing info I need to fill in.” Paste your notes at the end and voila.

It’s hard to remember to take your meds: If you or someone in your life is struggling, having an iPhone can help. Open the Health app > Browse > Medications > Add a Medication. From here, you can set reminders that pop up as phone notifications. You can also get this top-reviewed monthly pill organizer with talking alarms.

I don’t want to see you anymore: On Facebook, go to your Memories page and select Hide People under Settings. Next, click the box for “Start typing a name …” and enter the name of the person you want to forget. Click Save.

✂️ Photoshop is expensive: When you need to do a quick crop, edit or resize on a photo, try Pixlr. It works in your browser and runs on almost every operating system. Sweet!

💪 Focused on your health in the new year? Grab your supplies now!

• Not into going to the gym? A dumbbell set is perfect for at-home workouts.
• Walking is one of my favorite ways to move. Replace your worn-out sneakers — options for guys and gals.
• Get your protein on with an easy-to-use personal blender.
• Keep your calories in check with a food scale. This one has an app with a nutritional calculator.
• I love doing Pilates to get strong. Grippy socks are great and work for barre and yoga, too.

Listen: To live radio stations from around the world.

🫢 Join: 3.8 million other folks who watched this video of mine on YouTube. Can we get it to 4 million?!

Cozy up: With cashmere that won’t break the bank.* Barry and I showed up somewhere wearing the same sweater. Oops.

Inspire yourself: Look up what famous folks have achieved at the very same age as you.

🍷 Sip: On a winter cocktail. These cranberry sparklers are too tasty.

Win: A $500 Amazon gift card. Enter today, then share this contest on your social media profiles. I’ll pick the winner this week!

🎧 Need some company this weekend? Or maybe you need some alone time. Pop in your headphones and take me on a walk with you. Catch up on my national radio show, and be sure to hit “Subscribe” in your favorite podcast player. There’s so much good stuff coming in the new year!

One last bit of wisdom: Cybercriminals are just too good for you to spot all their tricks. You need software that does the job for you. Check out TotalAV before it’s too late.

I’ll see you back here tomorrow — same time, same place — with the best tech newsletter in the USA. Wow, I can’t believe New Year’s Eve is almost here. Feels like I’ve been waiting all year! I’ll see myself out. — Kim