The streaming market is more crowded than ever — and every one of them wants your money. If you subscribe to Netlflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV or some combination of these, your monthly bill might be enough to make you rethink all these options. That’s why you need to look at the bottom line. In this Digital Life Hack, Kim has 9 insider tips to help you save big money and still get all the content you want.
Video doorbell company is making a major privacy change you should know about
© David Molina | Dreamstime.com
Living in a digital world makes it ridiculously difficult to protect our privacy. Cybercriminals do their best to trick unsuspecting victims into handing over sensitive information all the time, not to mention hackers who just steal it.
Sadly, it’s not just hackers we need to worry about. Companies like Facebook and Google track everything you do online so they can provide you with targeted ads and sometimes share that intel with third-parties. Tap or click here for privacy settings you need to change on Facebook.
You probably knew Facebook was up to no good, it usually is. But you might not think your own home security system is selling you out. Don’t be so sure.
Taking privacy into your own hands
If you have a Ring video doorbell, you may have heard about some recent security issues. A few months ago thousands of Ring users’ credentials were leaked online. Tap or click here for the details.
That happened not long after another scary Ring incident. Hackers discovered a way to take control of Ring devices that have microphones and built-in cameras, and used them to traumatize families.
In response to widespread security concerns, Ring announced it was adding a privacy dashboard to its mobile app called Control Center. The new dashboard lets Ring users manage their connected devices and some third-party services.
It also lets users decide if local police departments partnered with Ring can access footage taken from their devices.
While those privacy tools were a nice addition, some users are still concerned about privacy. That’s because Ring apps were still sharing data with third parties so they could provide users with targeted ads.
Don’t worry. We have some good news: Ring has decided to pause most third-party analytics services for its apps and website while it comes up with a better solution.
Changes being made in Ring’s Control Center
Ring announced this week that it will be adding more privacy options to its Control Center.
3 critical features that make a home security system great
© Kaspars Grinvalds | Dreamstime
Protect your home from intruders and other elemental hazards with help from our sponsor, SimpliSafe’s, complete home security system.
It’s easy to install, with no drilling involved — you can do it yourself in less than 15 minutes! Their service does not require contracts, and it offers 24/7 professional alarm monitoring for less than 50 cents a day.
Hello, 2020 resolutions! 5 life-changing wellness gadgets
StackCommerce
New Year’s resolutions: Remember them? We are a ways into 2020, after all. If you’re still determined to improve yourself in this brand new decade, help is on the way.
The tech world has come up with some innovative ways to enhance your wellness in recent years, and you’re raring to try them but. But where should you start?
This handy kit lets you test your vision with your smartphone
StackCommerce
Considering how essential our eyesight is, it’s surprising how often we neglect it. Anyone with a halfway decent dental plan gets their teeth checked and cleaned on a regular basis, but our eyes? The only time they get to see an optometrist is when we drag ourselves in for a new eyeglass prescription.
5 must-have features for home security
© Igor Mojzes | Dreamstime.com
Throwing up a sign that reads, “Warning! Beware of dog!” isn’t strong enough security for your home. You actually need a system that will protect your most prized possessions, whether you’re home or away.
Every good security system watches your windows and doors, but you need more. Disasters like freezes, floods and fires could cost your home. We recommend our sponsor, SimpliSafe. If you’re thinking about home security, there is no better time, because SimpliSafe Home Security is offering my listeners their best deal of the year!
Not sure what books to buy for Christmas? Let Bill Gates help
© Hemanzhang | Dreamstime.com
When it comes to wealth and prestige, few names are more iconic than Bill Gates. As the founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s richest men, Gates has made numerous contributions to the world of tech. He has also spearheaded several projects with the goal of reducing poverty and hunger in developing countries.
Amazon's top-selling items will surprise you
© Ifeelstock | Dreamstime.com
Amazon had a record-breaking year in 2019. Prime Day was the biggest in the company’s history, with millions of transactions taking place around the world. In addition, Black Friday and Cyber Monday came and went with stellar results, with the latter being the biggest shopping day in the company’s history.
No more Netflix on these TVs: How you can keep streaming without built-in services
Nothing lasts forever, especially when it comes to tech. Years ago, it might have been decades before you considered replacing a household appliance or entertainment system. Nowadays, it doesn’t take long before your smartphone or TV is obsolete or on the way out.
How to stop robocalls with free solutions from AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint
Robocalls have tormented us for years. They’ve interrupted our conversations, dominated our work lines and spread erroneous information across the country. The nation’s Do Not Call registry is pretty worthless at stopping them.
Everything you need to know about the latest Windows update
There are more updates being released to Windows now than at any other point in the operating system’s lifespan. The reasons for this range from new apps and features all the way to cybersecurity concerns — but nobody can deny that Microsoft is stepping up its software game in a major way.
Comparing TV streaming devices: Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast
Which streaming player is best? Kim breaks down the options and tells you why you may want to choose one device over the others. Whether you’re looking to cut the cord and ditch cable, or just get access to even more content, this complete guide to the top streaming devices can help.
Teen sexting
Making sure you teach your kids about online safety is important but you can never be too careful. This can come down to even the way they talk to their friend through text. Here is what to watch out for.
How to remove your personal data from broker sites and protect your privacy online
You might be shocked to see how much of your personal info is floating around online. But it doesn’t have to stay that way. We’ll show you how to keep your private information locked down and how to remove it from data broker sites that store and sell your details.
How to spot spy cameras in your vacation rental: Common hiding places | DIY Security
We’ve all heard stories of people finding hidden cameras in vacation rentals. If you’ve ditched hotels and prefer to book accommodations through sites like Airbnb and VRBO, how do you ensure your privacy isn’t being violated? In this DIY Security tip, Kim reveals common hiding places for surveillance cameras, plus shows you how sneaky hosts could conceal monitoring devices.
Why you never see brilliant blue fireworks
What’s in a firework? I’m sure you know some of it at least — a bit of gunpowder, a dash of color-changing chemicals, and a propellant to launch them into the air, right? Well, the chemistry behind fireworks is a lot more complex. Even tiny details like color are fragile enough to restrict firework makers. Now, see why blue varieties of fireworks are a rare breed to see.
Notre Dame: an exclusive first look at restoration work
Notre Dame’s tragic fire was a shock to the entire world. The centuries-old cathedral lost its magnificent gothic spire and roof in the aftermath of the blaze, but thanks to the efforts of the Paris FD, the structure of the building was saved. Now, restoration has finally begun — and everyone is excited to see Notre Dame restored to its former glory. Get a sneak peek at what’s coming in this insider video.
30 amazing colorized photographs from the 1800s
The 19th century may seem like a distant era of the past, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s not that long ago. After all, we had working cameras back then — even if they weren’t able to shoot in color. Now, thanks to the miracle of computers, we can see the subjects of these photos as they were in life. Will you take a step into the past?
5 sites for streaming TV for free
Streaming video is still a relatively young technology, but most of us can no longer imagine sticking a disc into a DVD player. Yes, some of us still enjoy our Redbox rentals, and Blu-ray still offers some of the best imaging available.
Former FBI, CIA director takes on a phone scammer
Robocalls and phone scammers are getting worse. Most are merely annoying, but some can be terrifying, like the scammer who threatened to kill Lynda and William Webster. Webster’s name may sound familiar: He’s the former head of the FBI and CIA. Everyone is a target for scammers, from the average person to the powerful.