Hi, hey, hello, it’s Wednesday, friend! Looking for a truly unique last-minute Christmas gift? A 1,700-year-old stone engraved with the Ten Commandments (well, nine, since one is missing) is up for auction at Sotheby’s today. Bidding kicks off at a cool $1 million. Discovered in 1913, its significance somehow went unnoticed until recently. And, speaking of tablets … Moses had the very first one connected to the cloud. 😶‍🌫️

“You look so good!” I’ve taken collagen for years for better nails, skin and hair. It’s great for your joints and recovery, too. Hit this link if you want to try it. Now, get ready for the tech smarts you need to make sure you’re never left tech‑behind. — Kim

Amazon uses your Alexa voice commands to train its AI, Dropbox had a breach in April that exposed customers’ passwords, and apps like Facebook and Google make billions of dollars gathering and sharing every little detail about you. I could go on (and on).

Luckily for you, there are privacy-friendly alternatives. Here are some proven ones.

1. Instead of Dropbox …

Try Nextcloud. It does everything Dropbox does (including end-to-end file encryption) but gives you total control. You can even host your own server for free at home.

2. Instead of Google Docs or Microsoft 365 …

Try Joplin. It’s a document app that keeps your files encrypted and stored in open formats, so you can take them anywhere without anyone snooping.

3. Instead of Google Keep or Apple Notes …

Try Notesnook. It’s end-to-end encrypted and lets you export to other apps. Unlike some companies, Notesnook won’t use your stuff to train an AI chatbot.

4. Instead of Google Photos or Apple Photos …

Try Ente, a free photo storage app that backs up your data in multiple locations and scrambles it with a password for maximum security. Ente doesn’t use your pics for AI machine learning, either, like Google Photos and Apple Photos both do.

5. Instead of Apple Home or Google Home …

Try Home Assistant. It’s an open-source smart home hub that works with just about every smart home device out there. The best part? You can manage everything from your browser or phone — no need for home apps that collect your data … and voice … and schedule … and shopping habits …

6. Instead of Adobe Acrobat …

Try Stirling PDF. Acrobat is expensive, and lots of the other PDF editors are sketchy and crawling with ads. Stirling does everything Acrobat can (convert, edit, sign, merge and split files, all for free), and it doesn’t sell your personal info.

👌 Whoa, great list, right? I have four more options to tell you about, but I couldn’t fit ‘em all here. Hit my site for the rest!

Pro tip: Switch one app at a time so you’re not getting used to a lot of new software.

🔑 Your data is valuable, and it’s up to you to protect it. Share the smarts — use the buttons below to send this to a pal who values their privacy, too.

OK, we’re not getting any younger. That’s why we all need the boosting powers of collagen, scientifically proven to help with the signs of aging.

Here’s what happens to our bodies. Starting in our 30s, collagen production naturally slows down. This is part of the reason we start to feel creakier in the morning and never look quite as refreshed, even after a good night’s sleep. That’s where NativePath Collagen comes in. It can help with:

• Reducing wrinkles and skin elasticity
• Easing joint pain
• Supporting bone density
• Strengthening hair and nails

It’s so easy to get the collagen your body wants. Just add two scoops of NativePath’s flavorless, single-ingredient supplement to whatever you want. I like it in my morning coffee. Voila, just like that, you get 20 grams of collagen protein. Easy.

I take NativePath, and, just to let you know, if you’re not completely satisfied with NativePath’s results, they have a 365-day money-back guarantee.

💬 Encryption is your BFF: ICYMI, I told you the FBI warned you to use apps with end-to-end encryption for your sensitive convos because of Chinese hackers. But what about 2FA security? Yep, they can be intercepted, too. Your best bet is to use an app like Google Authenticator. While you’re at it, turn on automatic software updates to plug any security holes.

Every move you make, every breath you take, I’ll be watching you: The next Walmart greeter you see may be wearing a body cam. The retail giant’s new program will stop thieves and keep workers safe when things get tense. TJX Companies, which owns TJ Maxx and Marshalls, already uses them, but some worry the cams are really spying on employees. Probably all of the above.

“AI Therapist”: That’s a new job title in the AI world. Kyle Fish’s gig at an AI company (paywall link) is to make sure the AI systems are treated ethically as they evolve so they can be more likely to achieve consciousness. I’ve always said being polite to your bot generates better answers.

A scam for the holidays: “Card declined” messages are all over scammy retail sites. It’s a trick to get you to pay twice so they can steal twice the card details. Before you check out, make sure the site’s URL starts with “https” (don’t skip the ‑s!). My trick: Save more money shopping online with the Upside app.* Use promo code KIM so they know I sent ya.

🧬 This is a crazy story: Jenna Gerwatowski, 23, took a DNA test and discovered her grandmother, whom she’s never met, is 100% a murder suspect. A newborn was left to die at a Michigan campground in the 1997 “Baby Garnet” cold case. Investigators matched Jenna and Jenna’s mother’s DNA to the baby and charged Jenna’s grandma, Nancy Gerwatowski, with the child’s murder. I can’t imagine how the family feels.

ChatGPT just got a big upgrade: Think of it as a mix between a chatbot and Google. It still answers your questions but now includes direct links to its sources. Plus, there’s a new voice mode you can use with it. To try it out, just click the globe icon in the ChatGPT text box. It works great!

🎰 Parents, check your kids’ Roblox accounts: Illegal online casinos are targeting kids on Roblox, letting little ones gamble on games like slots and blackjack. Some sites even convert their winnings to real cash through crypto. Roblox is cracking down, but parents, keep an eye out for in-game casinos. Bloxmoon and RBLXWild are two big names to watch for.

A good fee is tariff-ic: The FTC just banned hidden “junk fees” for hotels, tickets and vacation rentals. Starting in 2025, businesses will need to show the total price upfront — no more “resort” or “convenience” fees snuck in at checkout. Yeah, those fees will still be there, but being able to see them before you pay will save everyone a whole lot of time.

💩 Stinking of success: Fartcoin, a joke crypto with zero real value, is soaring, hitting an $800 million market cap and beating out Dogecoin. No one really knows who’s pumping money into it, but crypto is majorly spiking after Trump’s election, and investors are taking gambles. But, as I always say … you should never trust a fart.

🎁 Gifts that are almost too cool.

• This vintage Kate Spade tea kettle (16% off) is so dang cute.
• A migraine relief beanie could be the gift of the year for the person who needs it.
• Sandwich cutters and sealers (27% off) are great for parents who don’t want to shell out for Uncrustables.
• This magnetic wooden trivet ($50) attaches to any metal cookware so they can place hot pots and pans anywhere.
• Make the nice tequila extra fancy with Himalayan salt shot glasses ($20).
• Declutter their kitchen with magnetic spice jars. They come with labels, too!
• This beeswax candle ($30) extinguishes itself when the flame reaches the clip, and it looks like a little beehive! Cute.
• A pretty at-home fondue set (19% off; clip the coupon for an extra $5 off) will have them saying, “I don’t mind if I fondue.”

📦 Christmas gift dashboard: AfterShip tracks packages from 1,205 carriers all around the world. Put in up to 50 tracking numbers to see where each package is. It even tracks shipping to Antarctica — you know, just in case.

Crap, you forgot the Christmas cards: It’s not too late to spread some holiday cheer with a heartfelt message. Hit up Canva, Adobe Express or Paperless Post online. Choose a template, whip up a greeting and send it in just a few minutes — no printing or trip to the post office.

There’s still time to get it before Christmas! I like classy clothes you can dress up or down. If you need a gift that feels like quality for your spouse or adult children, check out the bestsellers at Quince.* They have washable cashmere, silks and more that all look great and last.

So your kid started a YouTube channel: Get access so you know who’s leaving comments and messaging them. Open the YouTube app on your phone, tap your profile picture (bottom right) > gear icon (top right) > Family Center. Tap Invite a teen to ask to supervise your kid’s account.

Make your app icons useful: On an iPhone running iOS 18, press and hold an app icon. At the top, you’ll see a few icons. Choose the second one to transform that app into a widget. Long-press again to change what that widget does. Apple’s Weather app widget, for example, can display the forecast. Neat!

Smartphone shortcut: On a Samsung, go to your Contacts and choose a person you want to talk to. Swipe left to begin a text message to them or swipe right to call them — no extra tapping required. Cool.

💊 Who’s in your doc’s pocket? Worried your doctor might not be giving you impartial advice because they’re getting paid by Big Pharma? Look up your doc in this government database (U.S. only) and see which companies are giving them money. That includes celebrity docs, too!

Here’s the deal: I’ve been getting a lot of notes, DMs, replies and emails from folks who need an AI primer. If enough of you want it, I’m happy to deliver! When you rate this newsletter below, let me know if you could use some AI help and how.

😂 I told my husband, Barry, “Did you know Old MacDonald’s farm has been taken over by artificial intelligence?” Barry: “AI?” Me: “AI.” Barry: “Oh.”

☕ Just a reminder to hit this link for 45% off NativePath. Their collagen mixes into coffee and smoothies, and it’s great for your joints and recovery. See you back here tomorrow for another issue of the best tech newsletter in the USA! — Kim