You have enough on your plate this Thanksgiving. Let your smart assistant do some of the dirty work.
Worth it? This router has a built-in VPN
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Protect your internet-connected devices at home, such as an Amazon Echo or a smart thermostat, with a VPN router to prevent hackers from causing chaos.
A VPN-enabled router encrypts data on your network, adding an extra layer of security and privacy for all connected devices. Watch out for these five signs indicating your current router may not keep you safe.
Secure your home with this new VPN router
Most routers don’t come with built-in VPNs. However, a new product from our sponsor ExpressVPN is changing the game.
Its first hardware product, ExpressVPN Aircove, is a Wi-Fi 6 router that comes out of the box with a VPN already installed. According to ExpressVPN, it’s “the industry’s first and only Wi-Fi router with built-in VPN.”
Just know that you’ll need an ExpressVPN subscription to take advantage of this special protection. That’s a win-win for those of us at Komando HQ. We use ExpressVPN to protect our privacy while browsing the web — and you can too.
Good news: Kim negotiated a special deal just for you. When you sign up for one year at ExpressVPN.com/Kim, you can get three months of ExpressVPN for free.
How this VPN-enabled router can help you
With Aircove, you can have up to five different Device Groups. All you have to do is drag and drop your devices onto different ones. For example, this feature allows you to have one group for guests and another for your streaming devices.
Imagine sitting on the couch with your computer on your lap and Netflix on the TV. For some reason, the show you watched yesterday isn’t available today. A website says the show isn’t on American Netflix anymore — but you can find it on Japanese Netflix.
With Aircove, you can link your smart TV’s internet traffic to a Japanese server, even if your computer is connected to a German server. This streaming trick makes life much easier.
Fully encrypt all the devices on your home network
Don't buy these 10 obsolete products
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Have any old gadgets around? Your dusty phones, boomboxes and gaming consoles can be worth a fortune. Here’s a list of items to fatten your wallet.
“New” is a relative term when it comes to tech. One product can remain on the shelves for years while another is replaced annually. The impact this has on your buying decisions can vary. Purchasing last year’s toaster oven may mean missing out on the new air fryer, but it’s not the same as getting an older smart speaker.
Buying guide: How to choose an Amazon Echo for your home
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The holidays are just around the bend. Are you ready? Finding the best gifts takes time, energy, and research, which is why we’re here to remind you to get the ball rolling early.
You’re not alone if you’re considering an Amazon Echo device for yourself or a loved one. When it comes to your next smart speaker, you’ve got plenty of models to consider. Amazon’s line of Echo smart speakers tends to rise to the top above all else. Tap or click for clever ways to use your Echo and Alexa.
Tech tip: Use an Amazon Echo as an affordable Life Alert alternative
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Your smart speaker can remind you of appointments, give you a heads up on the weather, give you a wake-up call, tell a joke, set the mood for movie night, get the news and much more.
Add a video screen and you get access to many more cool features. Let’s start with a simple one. Did you know that you can turn your Amazon Echo Show into a digital photo frame? Tap or click here to find out how.
Cyberscams unleashed, Amazon Echo celeb exodus & Georgia's nude ID shocker
Plus, turn it off and on again? Here’s why sometimes a reboot is the best fix for your tech. Let your creativity flow with personalized emoji creations. Director-approved TV setting, and professional wiffle ball is a homerun online.
Make sure Alexa isn't keeping recordings of you
Is your Amazon Echo always listening? Listen to this one-minute episode for my privacy protection strategy.
Stop smart devices from eavesdropping
Is your Amazon Echo, Google Home or Apple HomePod always listening? I’ve got the scary answer in this one-minute podcast.
Improve your TV's sound
You don’t have to buy a fancy audio system to improve your TV’s sound quality. Just use your Amazon Echo with this one-minute trick.
Use an Amazon Echo to hear your TV's dialogue better
Struggling to hear everything those mumbling actors are saying? Listen to this one-minute podcast for an easy way to understand the dialogue.
Don't know which Amazon Echo to choose? Here are your top 5 options
Amazon
Everyone loves having Alexa at their beck and call, so it’s best to keep at least one Echo device in your living room, bedroom, kitchen and garage. How do you know you have enough Echo devices? Hint: You never have enough. Tap or click to use your Amazon Echo to hear your TV’s dialogue better.
Use an Amazon Echo to hear your TV's dialogue better
Struggling to hear everything those mumbling actors are saying? Listen to this one-minute podcast for an easy way to understand the dialogue.
Smart trick to get all the perks of an Echo Show for less money
Amazon
Everyone loves their Amazon Echo Show. Regardless of generation, you can access all your smart gadgets, listen to your favorite podcasts and music, get the local weather forecast and use tons of Alexa-friendly apps.
New Alexa features: Sound detection, refill medications and more
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Smart assistants are there to make your life easier and more enjoyable. They can help you with simple tasks such as setting the thermostat or impressing your guests on movie night by setting the mood via lighting.
Amazon’s Alexa is built into all Echo devices and is compatible with numerous other smart devices. Though she’s one of the most popular smart assistants out here, Alexa isn’t perfect and does have her quirks. Tap or click here to check out how to solve five common Alexa problems.
Amazon's smart glasses aren't selling, but this might help
Why are the Amazon Echo Frames so unpopular? Listen now to find out the style secret that could make this spygear take off.
Black Friday shortages are real: Amazon shopping tips to get what you want and still save money
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The holiday shopping season arrives earlier every year. In 2021, it’s not only a retailer’s strategy to get you to spend more money. Supply chain disruptions and chip shortages mean buying specific items will be more challenging and more expensive.
Digital Life Hack: A fun Amazon Echo prank
Want to prank your friends and family through Amazon Echo? Listen now to make Alexa say anything you want.
New Amazon Echo screen moves with you and it's available to preorder now
Amazon
Echo smart devices have come a long way since they first hit the market. Not only are there original Echo speakers, but there are a ton of different and upgraded devices available now, too.
There’s a reason Echo devices are so popular. They are affordable and useful, too. You can use your Alexa-enabled speaker to control smart devices, track schedules, shop for items you need or help with a ton of other tasks. Plus, you can get even more out of your Alexa device with these pro tips.
Tech Refresh: PayPal scam, COVID conspiracy theory, Alexa tips
Ben, Allie and Mike dive into the new year in tech news, including a COVID conspiracy theory too ridiculous not to share, price hikes coming to cable and internet bills, and a highly-convincing PayPal scam. Plus, tips for your new Amazon Echo and the scam of the week courtesy of the FBI. Find out if Ben can fool Allie and Mike in Brand New or Not True.
5 strategies to find the best Black Friday deals
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Black Friday is both a smart and overwhelming time to shop. On the one hand, there are plenty of deals to snag. On the other, there are so many deals to compare.
Follow these tips to ensure your Black Friday deal hunting is successful.