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.
Use it to watch your favorite videos, upload your best pictures, cook along with top chefs on YouTube or video chat with friends and family.
But what if you don’t own an Echo Show? Just turn your Amazon Fire tablet into your own Echo Show. Here’s how.
1. Add a dock
Made for Amazon, Wireless Charging Dock
If you already own a Fire tablet, pick up this great wireless charging dock. It allows you to use Alexa and Show Mode while your tablet charges. Power your tablet in either portrait or landscape mode and enjoy fast charging, which powers your device up to 80% in less than two hours. And with such a large screen, you can see the display from across the room.
Promising review: “If you spring for the Fire Tablet, add this! Keeps it charged and visible! I set my Kindle Fire 8plus on ‘Show Mode’ when I’m not using it for other things. It works great to give me [the] weather, control a lamp [and] show me upcoming events. Get this to get more from your device!”
2. Don’t forget a simple but functional stand
Amazon Basics Multi-Angle Portable Stand
This portable stand is ideal for tablets, smartphones or e-readers that stand four to 10 inches high. There is a removable rubber pad along the bottom to keep it from slipping or sliding across various surfaces. The durable zinc-alloy body holds up to 11 pounds and can be folded flat for easy transport. Enjoy your tablet’s Show Mode on this stand, which is available in black or white.
Promising review: “A game changer. My 10-inch Kindle with docking unit has gotten too heavy for my arthritic hands. This stand allows me to set my Kindle in portrait view for reading at the dinner table … The stand holds the Kindle firmly in place and can be angled for easy viewing. The docking unit can remain plugged in by my easy chair. Convenient.”
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Reader question - 'Can you recommend a nice charging station for all my devices?'
Amazon
Every week, Kim is asked several tech-related questions. Which laptop is best for students? What’s the latest information regarding online safety? What kind of printer would be best for my home office?
This week, Kim received one question in particular that stood out. One Minnesota listener asked, “For my business, I need to find a reputable, compact multiple-station charging station for 10 electronic items, both Android and Apple. I see many on Amazon, but which one can be trusted?”
Get parental control on the go with these three smartwatches for kids
Establishing healthy tech habits with your kids early on can do you a world of good in the long run. Instead of handing your toddlers advanced iPhones, gradually introduce them to more advanced gadgets. Kid-friendly smartwatches and phones teach kids digital independence while giving you the freedom to make sure they’re safe.
Netflix just raised its prices again – Here's how much you'll be charged
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Streaming services raising prices is commonplace these days. It happens more often than you’d hope. DirecTV already increased its pricing late last year.
Now, Netflix has decided to increase costs. Again.
Check out 15 must-haves that are still on sale at Amazon
Credit: Amazon.com
Didn’t get everything you wanted for Christmas? Well, we’ve got great news. There are still tons of sales going on at Amazon.
Don’t wait for all these great deals to disappear. Grab the gifts Santa forgot or start buying next year’s birthday, Valentine’s Day, anniversary or “just because” presents.
Best Alexa Christmas skills to enable now
Want to have some extra fun this holiday season? Listen now to find out how to turn your Amazon Echo into an intercom with Santa.
How to find out everything Amazon knows about you
Amazon is your biggest fan. It knows your voice, search history, advertiser preferences, favorite books, Alexa history and more. In this episode, Kim speaks with two Reuters reporters who exposed the secret war Amazon wages on your privacy. You’ll learn how to find everything Amazon knows about you.
Amazon can put your orders inside your garage
Sick of porch pirates snatching up your packages? Listen now to get the delivery workers to drop them off in your garage instead.
Shopping guide: Ben's best-reviewed products of 2021
Over the past year, I’ve reviewed dozens of products, from battery chargers to motorized standing desks. While not every new gadget managed to wow me, quite a few made a positive impression.
They might do the same for you. There could even be a few that would make an excellent gift for someone you know — especially those who are difficult to buy for.
Spice up your cooking (and skip the oil) with our favorite air fryer
Amazon
‘Tis the season to spend a ton of time in your kitchen whipping up fabulous feasts. If you want to cut your cooking time in half, turn to modern technology. Specifically, the Instant Vortex Air Fryer can make a chef’s life 10 times easier.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
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.
The fun gift that will make you the holiday hero with the kids in your family
Amazon.com
If you have any little warriors in the family, they’ll love this. Most kids love jungle gyms, but sometimes they just want to embrace their inner ninja. The Ninja Warrior obstacle course brings adventure straight to your family’s backyard.
We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.
Digital Life Hack: Amazon's hush hush about using your bandwidth to create a network
Do you own an Amazon Echo speaker or a Ring video doorbell? Listen now to learn how Amazon is using your bandwidth to create a network with your neighbors.
How to get your hands on a PS5 and all the other hot 2021 holiday gifts
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The holiday shopping season is in full swing, and the usual scramble to purchase those hard-to-find items has been compounded by the pandemic. Supply line and labor shortages have created an even higher demand for the hottest tech gifts. Fortunately, there are tools to help you get what you want for special people in your life.
Money-saving tool you need before you start holiday shopping
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Have you ever had the strange feeling of being watched when you’re browsing online? Well, the truth is you are. Shopping sites track you.
In some cases, you may see prices for certain things go up every time you check. A rental car might be $50 per day the first time you check prices, but it bumps up to $55 when you go back to book it. The same thing happens with hotels and airline tickets.
10 years of data on you, Amazon Echo on wheels, tech tricks
Have you heard of ShadowDragon? It collects data from 120 major sites going back a decade. Yes, 10 years of info about YOU. Plus, the iPhone 13 and iOS 15 are here, along with Amazon’s new smart home gear, including Astro, the Echo on wheels.
6 useful, affordable gifts for the Android lover on your list
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We all love our Android devices, but let’s be honest — we could always do with a few more gadgets or an upgrade here and there.
How long have you been using that old smart TV? What about that old Fitbit with limited features? What was the last Android release you missed out on?
List: The very worst gifts you can give if you care about privacy
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Anytime you go online or use a connected device, your privacy is at risk. This isn’t to say you should throw away all your tech and live in a cave, but there are ways to minimize exposure.
Let’s start with your choice of browser. This has a significant impact on your online experience. Many browsers share popular features like dark mode, but when it comes to privacy, you’ll find a greater distinction. Tap or click here for the best privacy-focused browsers, ranked.
Digital Life Hack: One important Amazon Echo security setting to turn on now
Want a notification on your phone the moment a smoke alarm goes off? Listen now to turn Alexa into your personal guard dog.