Get smart on the cheap

February 24, 2024

Smart plugs can transform a lamp, fan, humidifier or anything else.
Control the lights with your voice with Govee color-changing smart bulbs.
Save money and energy with a smart thermostat.
This doorknob lets you in the house using your fingerprints.
Upgrade your sprinklers to keep the lawn green without overwatering. It all happens automatically.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Tags: fan, fingerprints, humidifier, lights, money, smart bulbs, smart plugs, smart thermostat, upgrades

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OK, it’s really cold: 11 tricks and gadgets to keep you warm

Yesterday, my Daily Tech Update heard on 350+ radio stations about how EVs don’t like cold weather hit home with a ton of folks. You see, even if you charged up to prepare the night before, the battery could be dead or pretty close to it when you wake up. Wow, so many people told me they had no idea this would happen when they bought an EV.

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Unlock the secrets of your slumber: Best sleep-tracking tech

Ah, sleep — the one thing we all love but never seem to get enough of. You’re tossing and turning, counting sheep, or maybe out like a light but still wake up feeling like you’ve pulled an all-nighter. How can you crack the code of quality slumber?

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How Amazon broke the US Patent Office

So many brands have strange names on Amazon. Like BUXKR, XGIZMOO or HNHYGETE. No, no one thinks those are good company names. There’s actually a reason why.

10 tech freebies everyone should know about

The iPhone 15 Pro Max with tons of storage costs $1,599. The Razor Blade 18 gaming laptop starts at $2,899.99. Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay H95 over-the-ear headphones? $999.

You get the point. Tech can set you back a whole lot of money. That’s why you should take every freebie you can get — with one caveat. Security programs, antivirus and VPNs are common honeypots for scammers. This list, though, you can trust.

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Ask Kim: 'Can you help me choose an Echo device?'

Absolutely! First things first, here’s how I like to use mine:

Both are totally solid, but I would go with the Echo Show 10. It’s bigger, faster and newer, and just about every spec is upgraded. The Echo Show 8 is certainly more affordable, but this is something you want to buy once and forget about for a few years. This model is already over two years old.

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We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Ask Kim: 'Can you help me find a dashcam for Mom?

If a creep follows your mom to her car, a dashcam can capture videos to later use as evidence in a criminal case. Reputable options like the Ovedisa or BlackVue are both excellent choices.

🚙 Get her a dashcam that records what’s happening in front of and behind her vehicle. This option connects to an app that lets you view, download and share videos. It’s 30% off now, and be sure to check the box for another $30 off. (Makes a great gift, btw.)

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We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Shopping under surveillance: How retailers track you and how to be invisible

If you have a pulse and an internet connection, companies want all the details they can fetch on what you’re willing to buy — and it’s getting harder to tell where they’re obtaining all that info.

Retailers can now track what customers purchase to influence their buying patterns. Loyalty programs collect data on your purchases, frequency and preferences — in exchange for deals.

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The most popular Amazon Subscribe & Save products

Do you use Amazon’s Subscribe & Save feature? They lure you with an excellent discount to set it up, and you can choose how often you get something auto-delivered (two weeks to every six months). It’s handy for things you buy again and again.

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Don’t make these 5 big mistakes when buying electronics on Amazon

Shopping on Amazon can be a great way to save money on otherwise expensive tech. Tap or click here for quick and easy ways to save money when filling your cart. Just avoid the most common mistakes people make when buying electronics on Amazon.

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10 productivity apps for your smartphone to make you more efficient

Have you ever tried to balance a dozen tasks and burned yourself out? If you use your smartphone or tablet for work or just want to stay connected to your team, you already know how much of a hassle it can be. Mobile isn’t always the best choice.

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