There’s no question Amazon dominates the online shopping world. But you might not like just how much the tech giant knows about you. If you want to get the most out of Amazon without sacrificing your privacy, it’s time to optimize your profile settings so the company (and advertisers) know as little about you as possible. These five critical security settings will give Amazon access to just the bare necessities of your personal data.
Amazon wants you to buy its new indoor security drone – It's a bad idea
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Apple isn’t the only tech company with a major event this fall. Amazon just wrapped up its own set of announcements that include a trove of new devices — as well as updates to some of your favorite gadgets.
Why so many new gadgets? Many of these products have been in the works for a while, but let’s be real: Amazon had to do something with all that money it made during the pandemic. Tap or click here to see how much it made compared to Black Friday.
Amazon’s latest product announcements include a smart mailbox sensor, updated Echo devices and a new Fire TV Stick. But the biggest surprise of all came in the form of a flying security drone that lives with you in your house. Is this the future of home security? Are we finally living in a techno dystopia? Here are all the biggest reveals from Amazon’s fall event.
This is the scary future we warned you about
Amazon’s Ring security system has grown more robust with each release. But this new flying drone from Amazon might be a little overkill.
The Ring Always Home Cam is an autonomous flying drone that acts as a personal security guard. The robot charges itself using a cubed-shaped housing that also hides its camera lens when it’s not in use. But once you leave (and set it on a schedule) it gets to work without any user input. Then, you can use the Ring app to take a peek through the Drone’s eyes and see what it sees.
It can also work with your home’s other Ring sensors to detect intruders. This will cause the drone to activate and catch them in the act — but anyone breaking into your house will probably just smash the drone with a bat before it has a chance to alert you.
Not only that, but we can imagine household pets won’t take too kindly to this new addition to the family. Cats perched up high on a fridge or shelf may find it fun to jump on the drone mid-flight, for example. And good luck to your neighbors — who may be dealing with your dog barking much more than usual.
Oh, and it’s also apparently quite noisy. Amazon itself claims the Always Home Cam is “privacy you can hear.” Maybe the entire point is to alert intruders that they’ll soon be on camera.
No price has been announced for the drone, but Amazon projects a release date sometime in 2021.
Tap or click here to see what Amazon’s upcoming delivery drones will look like.
9 best free sites and apps to stream music
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During these stressful times, music has become a bastion of relaxation for many people. One of the best ways to listen to whatever you want is through free music streaming services.
Over the last decade, the prominence of these services has skyrocketed. Going from simple music players to complex algorithmic playlist creators. Want to find the best video streaming service for you? Tap or click here to see our comparison of services like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+.
New Alexa commands to try
One of the most popular smart speakers are Amazon Echos with the digital assistant Alexa. I’m sure you already know the basics: Reminders, news and weather. But Alexa can help in ways you might not be aware of.
Our guide to tech worth the money
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It can be tough to decide between the new gadgets you should upgrade to and the ones you should leave on the shelf. Do you really need that expensive new smartwatch or can you get the same features from a more budget-friendly version?
These Amazon products are reportedly fire hazards - Are they in your home?
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Hungry for deals on Amazon? There are plenty of ways to save big on products without too much effort. And one of the most popular bargain brands, Amazon Basics, gives users access to a range of discounted everyday items that are easy to sort through.
Scam alert! 5 Amazon cons you’ve got to watch out for
With millions of users around the world, Amazon has drawn scammers like moths to flames. There are many different cons that cybercriminals have tailored specifically for Amazon, and they’re complex enough to have stolen millions in cash. That’s why Kim’s giving you the low-down on 5 Amazon scams you’ve got to watch out for. With the holiday season right around the corner, this is essential listening for anyone who’s about to start shopping.
Shopping trick: Save up to 70% on Amazon year-round
Prime Day, coupons and lightning deals are great but there’s another trick you might not be aware of that can save you up to 70% on Amazon purchases year-round.
Amazon is hiring for 33K high-paying positions
For many whose jobs were lost in the pandemic, struggling to get by is something they never envisioned. And that’s why the news I have for you today, just may be a godsend.
Comparison: Walmart Plus vs. Amazon Prime
Let’s compare the new Walmart Plus to Amazon Prime. From price to inventory to bonus perks, there’s a lot to consider.
24 things you need this year that you didn't need last year
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Well, we’ve made it through. This pandemic has been going on for several months now, and we’re all still trucking along pretty well, considering. But that doesn’t mean it’s been easy.
Many of us have gone from office workers to remote employees, from parents to part-time teachers, or from single people with thriving social lives to self-distancing with streaming content at home.
5 new ways to use your Amazon Alexa
Smart speakers can be a privacy nightmare. But Alexa is designed to help in ways you might not be aware of. I’ve got five smart uses for your smart home assistant.
Amazon wants to track your fitness, sleep, body fat and emotions
From the world of new gadgets, today a look at Amazon’s new Halo, a wearable wrist-device that tracks your fitness, sleep, body fat and even your emotions. Think carefully before you hit “buy.”
Court says Amazon is liable for defective third-party products
Amazon got some bad news from the courts a few days ago. But here’s why this is good news for you and me.
Amazon may be coming to a mall near you
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The entire world has shifted from brick-and-mortar shopping trips to buying from online retail sites in response to COVID-19. Purchases that used to require a quick trip to your local big-box retailer for things like toilet scrubbers or Ziploc bags are now done via e-commerce sites with the click of a couple of buttons. Looking for online shopping deals? Check out what’s on sale for August that you should buy now.
A surprising use for the Instant Pot: Disinfect your face mask
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If you’ve been spending as much time indoors as we have, you’ve probably wanted to try your hand at some cooking. It’s a great way to pass the hours, and it’s a critical skill that everyone should learn. Plus, it’s fun to do and makes your home smell delicious.
Google just announced $350 loaded phone to take on the iPhone
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If you’re in the market for a new phone, you don’t have to break the bank to get a model with a high-powered camera, fast processor and extra goodies like fingerprint sensors.
In fact, budget smartphone models are starting to make a comeback in a major way. Between a shrinking economy and cheaper parts, device manufacturers like Samsung and Apple have recently delivered quality phones for well under the $1,000 mark. Tap or click here to see our favorite budget smartphone picks.
Amazon now selling its own low-cost face shields
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Do you live in an area where masks are mandatory? If so, you might be wondering what all your options are before you venture outside your house and get back into the rhythm of shopping, dining and socializing.
Due to a shortage in medical-grade masks and respirators like the N95, most people are resorting to wearing cloth masks — including simple masks made from materials at home. Tap or click here to see how you can make your own mask.
Is Amazon stealing technology?
We know the Chinese have been stealing American technology for decades. But is Amazon doing the same thing?
5 best budget smartphones under $400
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In the tech world, what once cost hundreds of dollars can now run you well over a thousand of your hard-earned bucks. But the technology within most of today’s smartphones has not changed radically over the past few years, and powerful budget smartphones are capable of doing just about everything an expensive flagship device can do.