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?
Smartphone security: Do you need a VPN on your phone?
Compared to computers, smartphones have weak defenses and easy-to-crack passwords. They’ve also got a ton of valuable data. Just think about everything on your phone.
Chances are your work email is connected, which means a savvy cybercriminal could steal your company’s secrets. There’s also your contacts list, which is stuffed with phone numbers and maybe even emails.
Bottom line: You need to protect your phone, preferably with a VPN, to act as a secure bridge between your phone and the internet. There’s no better option than our sponsor, ExpressVPN, one of the best and most trusted companies in the business.
Here’s how ExpressVPN can secure your phone
We’re constantly connecting to Wi-Fi networks we don’t control, and an added layer of protection is important. And if you’re doing things like banking and shopping, it’s absolutely vital. That’s why you should add a VPN on your phone, preferably one that encrypts your data to make hacking harder.
By installing a VPN app on your phone, you’re fighting against ransomware attacks. It will keep your private data safe no matter where you go. Plus, you can get peace of mind when you’re working remotely.
If you need to access corporate files, you don’t have to worry about compromising confidential documents. When you use a VPN on your phone, you’re working in a secured environment where there is no potential for leaks.
And here’s a fun use: You can also access tons of extra streaming content. Do you know how sometimes a show will be on Netflix one day and gone the next? That’s because of complex copyright laws between competing streaming platforms.
With ExpressVPN, you can change your IP address to one in a foreign country. That means you can see shows and movies on, say, Irish Netflix, which means you won’t be subject to the whims of streaming agreements. Once you do that, a whole new world of content will be opened up to you!
How to install ExpressVPN
There’s a lot to love about ExpressVPN, but here’s one of the biggest draws among users: It’s so easy to set up and use. Plus, it saves your skin across many different platforms, from Windows and Mac to Android and iOS. The install set-up stage is clear-cut.
Just follow these five simple steps:
Ding, dong: 6 funniest moments caught by video doorbells
YouTube.com/Ring and Illustration 127390369 / Background © Ikonstudio | Dreamstime.com
Sure, you probably know all about the ways doorbell cameras like SimpliSafe can boost your home security system. Connect them to your phone, and you get a 24/7 live stream of everything going on in your home. With these nifty tools, you can catch burglars, find missing children and even tell your neighbors about a fire.
3 ways to make sure Facebook really isn't listening
We all know that Google can listen to your conversations, but what about Facebook? The social media giant claims that it doesn’t eavesdrop, but how often have you seen ads for products relating to a recent conversation?
Lock down your phone from snoops and hackers
Your phone is full of secrets, whether you think about it that way or not. Would you want just anyone to see your private conversations, swipe through your photos, or open up your emails? Of course not.
There are digital spies to worry about, too. Tap or click to see which apps are accessing your camera or microphone.
Where Spotify beats Apple Music – and where it doesn't
Apple Music grew in popularity when programs like Napster were making paying for music less than favorable. Since then, no other music platform has been able to beat them out. That is until Spotify entered the market.
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?”
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!
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.
Headed back to the office? Best way to keep an eye on your home from anywhere
© Everythingpossible | Dreamstime.com
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.
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.