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Retailers, data brokers and ads, oh my!

ID 204445768 @ Marina Putilova | Dreamstime.com

Linda recently called my national radio show with a question that flooded my inbox. Clearly, a lot of you have experienced a similarly eerie moment.

“I was shopping yesterday at Walmart, looking at kitchen knives. I called my friend and told her where I was in the store. I didn’t buy the knives. Today, I received an email advertising the very knives I was looking at! How did that happen? I never looked knives up online.”

I hear you: “Kim, her phone was listening!” The answer isn’t that simple, but I can explain what’s really going on.

Your digital trail

Even if Linda never searched online for knives, her smartphone was busy collecting data. Your phone tracks your location, not just through GPS but also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals.

If you’ve connected to a store’s Wi-Fi or walked in with Bluetooth on, Walmart and other retailers can track your movements. They know where you’re standing in the store. They also know you didn’t buy the knives.

Retailers sell this data to ad networks that then work with data brokers to get your email address. Bingo. Linda got an email from the knife company. I bet she starts seeing ads for knives and related items online, too.

But wait, there’s more

Facebook, Instagram, Google and weather apps track your location, even when running in the background. If you’ve granted them location access, they know where you are and later use that data to serve you ads.

Throw AI into the mix

Odds are, Linda is now going to get email pitches and see ads on social media for new cutlery, charcuterie boards and cooking classes. This is how AI-driven advertising works. It takes one interest (kitchen knives) and expands it into related categories.

How to protect your privacy

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Happy Valentine’s Day! A little tech love

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. It’s the perfect excuse to spread a little love in the simplest ways. A quick heart emoji, a sweet message to a friend or even just a kind word can make someone’s day. And if you’re flying solo? Treat yourself to something special and enjoy a little you time.

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Presidents Day deals

It’s a holiday weekend, and that means sales, sales, sales.

The newest iPad is $70 off, the lowest price since Black Friday. If you want all the AI bells and whistles, wait for the next one.
Dive into your favorite story with a brand-new Kindle Paperwhite (16% off).
Wonder if I could walk and take meetings at the same time … I want a walking treadmill! This one is 30% off.
Streaming upgrade! The latest AI-powered Amazon Fire TV Stick is 24% off.
Treat yourself with an eye-massaging mask (30% off) after a long day staring at your computer screen. Click the coupon for an extra $7 off.
This Owlet baby monitor sock (20% off) is rarely on sale. It’s FDA-cleared to track heart rate and oxygen levels. I wish they had this when Ian was a baby!

🛒 Time for some couch shopping time: Lots more deals here for your browsing pleasure! Have fun.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Hey, web developers: Have you tried Amazon Q Developer? Think of it as your intern to help write code, create README files and find security holes. There’s a free tier for 50 chats per month, or pay $19 per month for more perks. It’s not a sponsor, but it just caught my eye.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Bad weekend to buy Apple or Amazon gear

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New Apple and Amazon products are dropping soon. If you’re thinking about upgrading, wait a few days or risk buying last year’s tech.

Don’t buy any Amazon tech now: They’re showing off new gadgets on Feb. 26. Rumor has it we’ll meet the next-gen Alexa that can handle “complex requests,” along with new Echo speakers and earbuds, too. Probably no Kindles since new models dropped in October.

32 minutes

For what scientists call the perfect hard-boiled egg. Periodic cooking alternates between hot and cold water every two minutes to achieve cooked whites and creamy yolks. If I had 32 minutes, I wouldn’t be eating a hard-boiled egg. I ordered a chicken and an egg from Amazon today. I’ll let you know.

Presidents Day deals are already live

Tech is on sale, and so is everything else!

Dang, a Roomba for 50% off. I love mine zipping around cleaning for me.
A Ninja blender (25% off) slices through ice and everything else.
Everyone should have a dashcam. This 4K model has night vision (40% off) and all the other bells and whistles. Click the box for an extra $20 off.
Replace your old blanket with a fluffy white duvet cover for under $18. Toss in a couple of satin pillowcases (49% off).
Stop slouching! Try a standing desk (17% off).
Eye masks are 34% off so you can look fresh, awake and well-rested, even when you’re not.
Show off your pearly whites with a pack of 48 teeth-whitening strips (26% off).
This paper shredder (21% off) goes for five minutes straight without shutting down.
Breathe easy with a smart humidifier (15% off) that doesn’t need refilling overnight.

🫡 None of those up your alley? Hit the rest of the Presidents Day deals here!

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

OK, that’s a good deal

Time to give kitchen chaos the chop.

A fridge deodorizer (11% off) that lasts for 10 years? Yes, please.
Your sponge and dishbrush deserve better. Grab a sink caddy (20% off) that keeps them dry.
Is food prep eating up your free time? A vegetable chopper (22% off) is basically a sous chef.
A warming mat (55% off) keeps dinner toasty when your kids show up to the table fashionably late.
A food scale (39% off) is smart to have around if you’re trying to eat more protein or if you love to bake.

🏋️ Let’s get physical: It’s stuck in my head now, too. While you hum along, check out more good-for-you gear.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Free package on your doorstep?

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Hackers are mailing fake Amazon packages with QR codes inside. Scan it, and malware hijacks your phone in seconds. Here’s how to stay safe.

Big things in small packages

These must-haves bring peace of mind to your family’s busy life.

Protect little ones from sharp corners on furniture with a 12-pack of safety bumpers ($8).
Tame your kid’s stuffed animals. A hammock (38% off) keeps them tidy and easy to grab.
Ooh-la-la. a rotating jewelry box (20% off) with five drawers and 18 necklace hooks.
Planning a trip? Order TSA-approved travel containers (23% off) now so you’re not panic-running to Target the night before your flight.
Big sound, little earbuds, great price! Raycon’s earbuds (20% off) sound just like the fancy-schmancy pairs* but without the fancy-schmancy price tag!
This compact travel document bag (20% off) has three layers of protection against fires and floods.

👜 Gen Z wishlist: What the heck do teens want? I’ve gotcha. Check out my list of stuff they’ll love.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Don’t run out of juice

⚡ These gadgets keep you going all day.

Sweet, a mouse pad ($22) that doubles as a wireless phone charger. Click the coupon box!
Snag a docking station (22% off) to charge the family’s phones, tablets and smartwatches all in one spot.
Everyone needs a portable charger. I found cordless options for Lightning ($19) and USB-C ports (37% off).
I love this Bluetooth speaker ($15) that’s small enough to take anywhere.
Make your showers more relaxing with a waterproof speaker (43% off) that can come with you to the pool once it gets hot.

🥶 Feeling chilly? It’s warm in Phoenix and cold everywhere else! Grab hand warmers (32% off) that heat up in seconds if you’re over winter.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Hey, bookworm!

📖 Love reading? Want to spend less time scrolling and more time with a good book? I gotcha.

If your 10-year-old Kindle is finally crapping out, the new Paperwhite is 16% off. The pages turn faster and the battery lasts longer.
For comfier reading and working in bed, you need a nice lap pillow (5% off). It’s even got a pocket for your stuff.
Some people swear by these — a $20 remote you wear as a ring. It connects to your phone or Kindle so you can swipe or move to the next page without moving.
Bright white reading lights make my eyes hurt. This clip-on model (38% off) has natural and warm light options, too.
Is tiny text causing you to squint? This page magnifier ($25) has so many good reviews!

📚 Now all you need is a new book. Dive into Amazon’s bestseller list to find your next page-turner.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

💡 Watt a good idea: Apple is working on a new robot that could one day replace your HomePod, Amazon Echo or smart speaker. It looks and moves exactly like the Pixar lamp. Apple wants to make robots interact more naturally with us. Ask “How’s the weather?” and it’ll literally turn its head toward the window before answering. Here’s the video.

The clock is ticking!

💝 Grab these goodies in time for Valentine’s Day.

Spice things up with a deck of scratch-off date ideas (16% off).
Stop arguing about what to eat. Roll food dice (14% off) and let fate decide.
An electric wine bottle opener (48% off) pops corkscrews with just one tap.
Get messy in the kitchen with his-and-hers aprons (10% off). Ahem.
Your partner deserves a hand massager (39% off) after a long day of typing.
A candle warmer lamp (15% off) is so nice for cozy smells you won’t accidentally leave burning all night.

🛍️ None of this quite right? Check my lists for the special guys and gals in your life.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

A new scam making the rounds: Oh, happy day, a present in the mail! Not so fast. Scammers are mailing free gift packages with a QR code inside. Scan it and the malware that launches lets them take over your phone in seconds. The worst part? The package looks totally legit, complete with your name, address and a familiar retailer, like Amazon. If you get one, don’t scan any codes inside.

Everything in its place

🧹 Don’t wait for spring to tackle clutter.

Keep your spray bottles within reach with a handy Command hanger ($9.49).
Grab a clear rack (17% off) to show off your water bottle collection.
Don’t trip over board game pieces. Grab an organizer ($55) to keep everything tidy.
Backseat cluttered? Strap pockets ($20) to the backs of your car’s seats.
A travel-sized cable case (24% off) keeps your cords from becoming a bird’s nest.
Noise-dampening cabinet bumpers are a steal at $9 for 128. They protect against wear and tear, too.

❤️ Budget V-Day shopping? I’ve got you! Check out deals for under $20 that don’t feel cheap.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Love is in the cart

💝 The only thing sweeter than your valentine? These deals.

Grab a card game (20% off) for deep convos or this one ($25) that’s a lot sillier.
Put your favorite pic on this custom Spotify plaque ($10) with the soundtrack of your love story.
Need to vent? Write all your troubles on a funny notepad ($7.25).
Upgrade their headphones to Raycons.* Their earbuds sound great, get a ton of battery life and are a fraction of the price.
Hug it out with cute salt-and-pepper (11% off) shakers.
Celebrating Singles Awareness Day? Gift yourself under-eye patches (17% off).

Smart home upgrade: It only costs $30 to make your garage door smart, just sayin’. I love being able to check if mine is closed no matter where I am.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

February 8th, 2025

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Use DeepSeek? China knows your secrets. Plus, how many times a week you’re secretly recorded, why Apple and Samsung are being sued, and how much Amazon’s upgraded Alexa will cost you.

🌋 Kick some ash: Scientists found a burnt scroll from Herculaneum, another Roman town Mount Vesuvius wiped out in 79 A.D. They’re using X-rays and AI to read without touching it. Early hints say it might be a work of philosophy. When I visited Pompeii, I was amazed at how forward-thinking they were. There were food courts, sanitation, lovely homes, and even a brothel with the names of prostitutes on the walls with prices and ratings. Really! If you go, ask your tour guide the question I do wherever we go: “What’s something you normally don’t show tourists?” I will save my story about cannibals on the Amazon River for another day.