Android Archives

Kim’s Outlet picks: All 50% off or better

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Hidden gems, big discounts, and yes, I dug through the digital outlet bins so you don’t have to. Amazon’s Outlet is packed with brand-name gadgets.

The best part? Everything here is at least 50% off. Now, if you’re not into saving money on some great stuff, scroll on down to the Web Watercooler section, so you’re up-to-date on the latest tech news and security alerts. Don’t miss the big Google one.

🔊 Monster Bluetooth speaker – $30 (75% off)

Crank it up in the shower, on the beach or at your next BBQ. It’s travel-size and lasts all day on a single charge.

🔌 Surge protector outlet extender – $8 (50% off)

Why settle for two sad plugs? This splitter gives you six outlets and four USB ports. No more hunting for chargers.

🚗 All-in-one jump-starter – $50 (50% off)

Be prepared. This powerhouse works for gas and diesel engines, charges phones and even doubles as a camping lantern.

📱 Wireless CarPlay adapter – $35 (50% off)

Say goodbye to tangled cords in your car. Plug it in once, and boom, enjoy automatic connections. Android crew, here’s one for you.

❤️ Blood pressure monitor – $23 (50% off)

Your portable doctor’s office, without the copay. There’s a big LED screen and voice guidance if you need help seeing or hearing.

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

The secret science squad in your pocket

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Think your phone is just for calls, texts and scrolling? Think again. You’re carrying around a secret lab in your pocket.

The accelerometer that flips your screen when you turn it? That’s what your fitness app uses to count steps. The barometer that helps your weather app? It can tell if you’ve climbed a flight of stairs. And the gyroscope that powers AR games? Aim it at the sky, and it points out planets.

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Power plays

👩‍💻 Life runs on tech. Here’s the gear that’ll keep you connected.

🤖 Upgrading your Android? Save $250 on the slim, lightning-fast Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge (20% off).
⌚ Band together: These elastic nylon Apple Watch bands (15% off, three-pack) feel comfy from work to the gym.
📱 Twist of genius: Scroll hand-free or film your next viral overhead video with a gooseneck phone holder (10% off).
🔋 Fast fuel: This portable charger (10% off) can power up to four gadgets at once. Bonus: built-in wall plug.
🔊 Big sound, small box: Over 35,000 shoppers gave this waterproof Bluetooth speaker (15% off) 4.6 stars.

🎉 Labor Day came early: Why wait? Click this secret link for the first steals. Then, swing by my Amazon page to shop smarter, not harder.

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

How I stopped letting alerts run my day

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All those constant dings, beeps, and buzzes? They’re killing your concentration. I found a fix that works on both iPhone and Android. It’s not an app, it’s already built into your phone.

📱 Fake antivirus, real spyware: A malicious Android app called LunaSpy has been posing as antivirus or banking protection software, spreading via sketchy Telegram and text links. Instead of scanning for threats, it steals data, tracks you and can even record you. What a pitch: “Antivirus” but it’s the virus. Need legit antivirus software? I trust TotalAV. For just $19 for the first year, you get rock-solid protection on up to five devices.

⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Streaming music or my podcast but need to save battery? Turn on Low Power Mode on iPhone or Power Saving mode on Android. The trade-off is a dimmer screen.

No translator, no problem

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I’ll never forget the time I was in Paris, sitting at a café, staring down at a menu I couldn’t read. Out came Google Translate on my phone, and suddenly I thought, Wow the future is here. Fast-forward to this fall, and that “future” looks downright primitive compared to what Apple and Google are about to roll out.

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🚗💨 Your ‘smart’ car could be days away from going dumb

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Here’s something used car dealers and private sellers won’t shout from the rooftops.

The average new car has 1,400 to 1,500 semiconductor chips. And high-end EVs? Try 3,000. Those computer chips power everything from heated seats to emergency crash alerts.

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⚡️ 3-second tech genius: On Android, swipe down with two fingers from the top of the screen to open all Quick Settings at once. Saved you an extra swipe. You’re welcome.

Stop creepy ad tracking

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Your phone’s Mobile Advertising ID tracks your activity, location, and purchases, then sells the data. Here’s how to turn off personalized ads on iPhone and Android to protect your privacy.

Stop spam calls: On iPhone, go to Settings > Phone > Silence Unknown Callers to send numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail. On Android, open the Phone app > Settings > Block numbers and toggle Block calls from unknown numbers. Depending on your Android, they might still be able to leave you a voicemail.

📱 Customize your Android home screen: Long-press an empty spot until the menu pops up. From there, you can change the Wallpaper, apply a new Theme, add Widgets, or change Settings like the Home screen layout. You’ll also see a (+) icon you can tap to add another home screen page.

Your phone is tracking you even when you think it’s not

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You know that little GPS icon that pops up when an app is using your location? That’s the polite part. The tip of the iceberg. The warm handshake before your phone whispers your every movement to Big Tech behind your back.

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🚑 Add emergency contacts to your lock screen: This lets first responders call important numbers without unlocking your phone. On iPhone, go to Health > Medical ID, add your emergency contacts, and enable Show When Locked. On Android, go to Settings > Safety & Emergency > Emergency Contacts and add them there.

🌡️ Stop your Android from overheating: First one’s obvious, don’t leave your phone in direct sunlight. Next, avoid using it for heavy tasks, like streaming video, while it’s charging. And make sure it’s running the latest updates! Go to Settings > Software Update and follow the prompts.

🔋 A secret Android battery drainer: Scan for nearby devices constantly uses your Bluetooth. Turn it off in Settings > Google > All services > Devices. Check your phone’s version under Settings > Connections > More connection settings, and switch off Nearby device scanning, too.

🔔 Keep Android notifications private: Put that lock screen on lockdown. Go to Settings > Notifications > Lock screen notifications and toggle on Hide content. FYI: You can also set it per app if you only want it for some.

Bank app settings that actually protect your money

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This is not the most exciting way to start a week. But it’s super important.

Let’s talk about your banking app. It does more than show your balance. With the right settings, it can protect your money, catch fraud fast and help you avoid nasty surprises.

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⚡️ 3-second tech genius: iPhone and Android both let you copy text from a photo. Just tap and hold the text, e.g., menus, signs, screenshots. Boom. Instant clipboard magic.

Clear it out on Android, too: Open Chrome and tap the three dots (top right). Go to Delete browsing data and choose a Timeframe. Now tap More options and make sure Browsing history, Cookies and site data, and Cached images and files are selected. Then hit Delete data at the bottom.