In 1991 a Japanese physicist created a new form of carbon. These tiny threads of carbon turned out to be amazingly strong and durable. Now known as carbon nanotubes, this amazing material is set to make an enormous impact on the world of engineering. But how exactly will it be used?
6 essential features you need in a home security system
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Most people who don’t have home security systems yet are probably still planning on installing one in the future. How many times have you left your home thinking, “I wish I had some kind of protection system in place?”
Although it’s one thing you feel is extremely important, most of the time you put it off. Why? Maybe you’re thinking about the hassles of a traditional home security system — the complicated installation process, the monthly contractual obligations and even the need for a landline. Stop. You’re overthinking it.
Leave all your preconceived notions about home security systems at the door. There’s a better and easier way. With our sponsor, SimpliSafe, your security system can be simple. SimpliSafe revolutionizes the way we think about home security. Tap or click here to see the hidden perks of a SimpliSafe security system.
1. Easy installation
Are you daunted by the task of installing a complete security system in your home? Well, with SimpliSafe, you don’t have to be. All you need are a few everyday handyman skills, and your entire system can be set up in under 15 minutes.
Don’t even think about pulling out a drill — you won’t need it. You can stick SimpliSafe’s wireless sensors onto walls, doors and windows without peppering your house with holes. SimpliSafe is the quick and easy do-it-yourself home security solution you’ve been waiting for. Here’s a video showing how easy it is:
2. Totally wireless
Get the Starter package, which includes the core components: a base station, wireless keypad, one motion sensor, one entry sensor and a master keychain remote — essentially everything you need to protect the average home.
The base station is the heart of your SimpliSafe system. It’s a 10.5-inch futuristic cylindrical white cone that won’t look out of place. Position it right in the middle of your house and you’re in business. The base station is equipped with a loud 85-decibel siren that discourages would-be burglars from breaking in.
The next core component is your Wireless Keypad, required for arming and disarming the system while you’re in the house. The master keychain remote also lets you rearm or disarm when leaving or entering your premises.
Tile trackers vs. the new AirTags – What's the difference?
You might be wondering, what in the world are trackers? They have been around for years, and like every revolutionary product, Tile’s competitors finally caught up.
If you’ve ever lost your car keys or smartphone, you’re perfect for trackers. They were invented to solve this pesky problem by helping you track your stuff anytime it went missing. This includes your phone, car keys, wallet, etc. Hey, maybe even your kids? Slip a tracker in their pocket!
Headed back to the office? Best way to keep an eye on your home from anywhere
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You know the stress of being a parent. When the kids were young, you jumped at every sneeze, cough and wobbly step.
Now that they’re young adults or teenagers, there are different stresses. Are they driving while distracted by texts and social media messages? At home, are they safe? Are they being responsible for getting home on time from school, not raiding your liquor cabinet and staying out of trouble?
True or false: you should plug in your phone before bed
Many tech myths are floating around, like more bars on your phone means better service. Type *3001#12345#* into your dialer and press the call button to access “Field Mode” to get details about local networks and cell towers. Tap or click to learn what the test results mean.
Royal Marines using jet suits to board a ship
Jet packs used to be just a thing in science fiction movies. But they have finally become a reality. The British military is trying out these amazing pieces of tech to board ships, and seeing them in action is truly amazing.
Amazon Echo warning: Think twice before enabling Alexa skills
Thanks to smart speakers, you can get daily news briefings, set a timer and order dog food without lifting a finger. Just say the words and it’s done.
No matter how careful you are, you give up some privacy when using a phone, tablet, smart speaker or laptop. They can sometimes listen to you without you even knowing it. Tap or click here to keep Big Tech from listening in on your private conversations.
5 simple ways to speed up your smartphone
Long gone are the days of upgrading your phone every year, at least for most of us. It’s expensive and just plain overkill when today’s smartphones last much longer than that.
If you’re keeping yours for the long haul, that means you need to treat it better, too. Are you making any of these common mistakes that can kill your phone a lot faster?
Clever uses for your old phone: Security camera, alarm clock, emergency calling
Most of us have a drawer full of old gadgets lying around. Letting them pile up and collect dust isn’t just a waste of money but also a missed opportunity. You’d be surprised by how many useful things your old phone is capable of. In this Komando DIY, we’ve got four things you can do with your old smartphones after you upgrade.
Auto recall: Ford recalls Rangers, F-150s and Super Duty trucks
If you’re a Ford fan, watch out. The automaker found a critical safety issue in models sent to the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Now, it’s recalling 80,000 vehicles to ensure you’re not in danger when you drive.
Car recalls are more common than you might think. Manufacturers sometimes discover massive threats that could put you at risk only after they’ve sold hundreds of models. Tap or click here to be the first to know when there is a product recall.
10 surprising smart home devices you didn't know about
For a long time, smart homes were more trendy than commonplace. Now, technology is taking over the home, making our lives easier than ever before.
You probably know about smart switches, lights and music players. Actually, there are a ton of other devices you may not have imagined could be digitized. For example, smart forks and frying pans can make your dinner routine a breeze.
10 must-have products under $10
We’re living in strange times. Not only are many of us working from home right now, but a lot of kids are doing their schoolwork from home, too.
The overlapping of school, work and home life can make it tough to get organized. Most of us have notebooks, pens, schoolbooks, office supplies and computers or tablets strewn across our homes as we try to navigate life during a pandemic. Working from home? Tap or click here for tips for managing remote employees.
Face masks: New standards for choosing an effective mask
The pandemic has brought many changes to our lives, and most of us are adapting as needed. By now, wearing face masks is the standard when in public.
Though they may feel like a chore, masks do help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Tap or click here to see how to more comfortably wear a mask without compromising safety.
How to download your photos from Facebook
There are several reasons why you might want to download your Facebook photos. You may simply want a backup, or perhaps you want to create a photo book or share them through another platform. You may also want to preserve them if you are planning on leaving Facebook and deleting your account. Ready to back up your Facebook adventures? Here’s how to save your photos for posterity.
How to delete your Facebook and Twitter accounts for good
Social media sites were created to keep us connected, but you may find yourself wanting to disconnect for good. Figuring out how to delete your account isn’t easy if you’re not sure where to start. In this Komando DIY, we will show you how to delete your Facebook and Twitter accounts right from your phone.
Preorders begin for SpaceX's satellite internet service but read the fine print
When not trying to land reusable rockets onto a launchpad, Elon Musk’s SpaceX company stays busy with other exciting projects. Tap or click here to find out how to take a SpaceX trip into space. One currently on the drawing board is to provide millions of people with high-speed internet through Starlink.
Comparison: SimpliSafe vs. ADT vs. Vivint
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This is pretty cool. We wanted to do a visual comparison to show you how SimpliSafe is the better choice for home security, so we decided to look at two big-name competitors — ADT and Vivint.
You never know what’s going to happen when you compare a sponsor to its competitors, but we were thrilled with what we found.
White-hat hacker shows how easy it is to scam even a digital pro
Stephanie Carruthers makes her living breaking into phones, private accounts and more. But don’t worry — she’s doing it to help keep you safe. This IBM privacy expert and professional hacker shows Kim just how easy it is to get fooled by a digital criminal. Check out her tips for recognizing scams and keeping yourself secure online and offline.
What the Biden presidency could mean for the tech world
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For quite a while, U.S. lawmakers have questioned whether Big Tech companies are too involved (or not enough) in curbing misinformation. Others have accused the big four: Google, Apple, Amazon and Facebook, of antitrust behavior. This has led to several ongoing court cases brought on by federal and state law enforcement.
How to stop your smart TV from spying on you
Not only is your smart TV gobbling up your viewing data, but it also may be gathering information about your home. Can you minimize your smart TV’s snooping activities? Our advice: Turn off its tracking features. I’ll tell you how.